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impropriety - 3 dictionary results

im⋅pro⋅pri⋅e⋅ty

[im-pruh-prahy-i-tee]
–noun, plural -ties for 4, 5.
1. the quality or condition of being improper; incorrectness.
2. inappropriateness; unsuitableness.
3. unseemliness; indecorousness.
4. an erroneous or unsuitable expression, act, etc.
5. an improper use of a word or phrase.

Origin:
1605–15; < LL improprietās. See im- 2 , propriety
im·pro·pri·e·ty   (ĭm'prə-prī'ĭ-tē)   
n.   pl. im·pro·pri·e·ties
  1. The quality or condition of being improper.
  2. An improper act.
  3. An improper or unacceptable usage in speech or writing.

Impropriety

Im`pro*pri"e*ty\, n.; pl. Improprieties. [L. improprietas; cf. F. impropri['e]t['e]. See Improper.]

1. The quality of being improper; unfitness or unsuitableness to character, time place, or circumstances; as, impropriety of behavior or manners.

2. That which is improper; an unsuitable or improper act, or an inaccurate use of language.

But every language has likewise its improprieties and absurdities. --Johnson.

Many gross improprieties, however authorized by practice, ought to be discarded. --Swift.
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