Sentences for Propriety: Learn Propriety with Examples

The word propriety refers to the state or quality of being correct, proper, or appropriate in behavior, speech, or conduct. It is often used in formal settings to describe the accepted standards or manners. This article will help you understand how to use propriety in sentences at various levels of difficulty. The sentences progress from basic examples to more advanced contexts. By the end, you’ll be equipped to use propriety confidently in your daily communication.

Basic Level Sentences for Propriety

1. It is important to show propriety when attending a formal event. (Noun)

This sentence highlights the importance of behaving appropriately in formal situations.

2. He always follows the rules of propriety at work. (Noun)

The sentence shows how someone adheres to proper conduct in a professional setting.

3. They were praised for their propriety during the ceremony. (Noun)

This sentence describes how proper behavior is recognized and appreciated in ceremonies.

4. The propriety of her actions was questioned during the meeting. (Noun)

Here, the word refers to whether someone’s behavior is considered acceptable in a formal setting.

5. Good propriety means showing respect for others. (Noun)

This sentence explains the concept of propriety in terms of respect and politeness.

6. She was known for her propriety in social gatherings. (Noun)

Here, propriety refers to social manners and the expected standards in gatherings.

7. It is a matter of propriety to thank your host after a dinner party. (Noun)

The sentence points to the polite and appropriate actions one should take after a social event.

8. He was reprimanded for his lack of propriety at the event. (Noun)

This illustrates how improper behavior can lead to consequences in formal settings.

9. Her propriety made her a role model at the office. (Noun)

Here, propriety is a characteristic that is admired and serves as an example to others.

10. Knowing when to speak and when to stay silent is an aspect of propriety. (Noun)

This sentence explains how propriety can involve knowing the right time for actions or words.

Intermediate Level Sentences for Propriety

1. In her speech, she demonstrated a clear understanding of social propriety in different cultures. (Noun)

The sentence highlights how propriety varies across different cultures and settings.

2. He made a comment that bordered on a breach of propriety during the formal dinner. (Noun)

This sentence illustrates how a small slip-up can violate the expected standards of conduct in a formal setting.

3. Many people were concerned about the propriety of his behavior at the public event. (Noun)

Propriety here refers to the appropriateness of someone’s actions in a public setting.

4. It is critical to maintain a sense of propriety when discussing sensitive topics. (Noun)

This sentence explains the importance of being mindful of appropriate conduct during delicate conversations.

5. The propriety of his actions in the courtroom was praised by the judge. (Noun)

Here, propriety refers to the respect for formal protocols and expected behavior in a legal setting.

6. Her understanding of propriety helped her navigate difficult social situations with ease. (Noun)

The sentence shows how knowledge of propriety can assist in handling challenging social interactions.

7. The company encourages its employees to uphold propriety when interacting with clients. (Noun)

This highlights the importance of proper conduct in a professional environment.

8. The ambassador was known for his impeccable propriety in diplomatic settings. (Noun)

Propriety here refers to the refined and correct behavior expected in formal diplomatic contexts.

9. During the meeting, the manager emphasized the importance of propriety in all business communications. (Noun)

This sentence focuses on the expectation of professionalism and decorum in business interactions.

10. Her strict adherence to propriety made her the perfect candidate for the role. (Noun)

Here, propriety is seen as a key factor in suitability for a particular position or role.

Advanced Level Sentences for Propriety

1. Her careful consideration of the social propriety in every international negotiation was instrumental in her success. (Noun)

This sentence illustrates how understanding propriety can play a crucial role in complex, cross-cultural negotiations.

2. There was a fine line between maintaining propriety and suppressing genuine emotion during the state funeral. (Noun)

Here, propriety is explored as the balance between formality and emotional expression in sensitive events.

3. In her role as the host, she navigated the challenging dynamics of propriety with grace, ensuring every guest felt comfortable. (Noun)

This sentence shows how propriety can be used to maintain comfort and balance in social situations.

4. The professor’s lectures were often a lesson not only in history but also in the propriety of academic discourse. (Noun)

Propriety here refers to the rules and conduct that guide academic discussions and the exchange of ideas.

5. In the courtroom, adherence to legal propriety ensures the fairness of the trial. (Noun)

This sentence emphasizes the critical role of propriety in maintaining legal integrity and justice in formal settings.

6. Despite his knowledge of propriety, his actions at the gala were viewed as outdated and out of touch with contemporary standards. (Noun)

This illustrates how even knowledge of propriety can fail if it does not evolve with changing societal norms.

7. The debate over the proper propriety of modern digital communication continues to challenge traditional views of etiquette. (Noun)

Here, propriety is examined in the context of digital communication, highlighting how technology has impacted traditional standards.

8. Her mastery of propriety in high society was often admired, though some found it excessively rigid. (Noun)

This sentence explores the tension between admiration for propriety and criticism of its perceived rigidity in social circles.

9. The diplomat’s careful attention to both cultural and diplomatic propriety facilitated smoother negotiations between the two nations. (Noun)

This highlights the role of propriety in facilitating international relations and smooth diplomatic exchanges.

10. In her book, the author critically examines the shifting definitions of propriety in a rapidly changing society. (Noun)

Here, propriety is analyzed in terms of its evolving nature within modern societal contexts.

Expert Level Sentences for Propriety

1. The novel’s depiction of societal propriety as a controlling force is a sharp critique of the era’s rigid class structures. (Noun)

This sentence connects propriety with societal critique, showing how propriety is used as a tool for social control and critique in literature.

2. In his thesis, he argued that the very notion of propriety is a social construct that reinforces power dynamics within institutions. (Noun)

Here, propriety is analyzed critically, linking it to the reinforcement of hierarchical systems within society.

3. The historian’s exploration of Victorian propriety reveals how deeply it shaped both individual behavior and collective norms in the 19th century. (Noun)

This sentence connects propriety with its historical role in shaping cultural norms and individual behavior.

4. While propriety in the workplace is often seen as a matter of decorum, its implications for inclusivity and diversity cannot be overlooked. (Noun)

This explores the complex relationship between propriety, decorum, and issues such as inclusivity and diversity in contemporary workspaces.

5. In analyzing the decline of traditional values, some sociologists have pointed to the erosion of societal propriety as a key factor. (Noun)

Here, propriety is discussed in a sociological context, linking its decline to broader societal shifts and changes in values.

6. While the notion of propriety once governed all social interactions, postmodern thinkers argue that it is now a fluid concept, subject to individual interpretation. (Noun)

This sentence examines how the concept of propriety has shifted in philosophical discourse, emphasizing its fluidity in modern thought.

7. The legal scholar argued that, in the realm of jurisprudence, adherence to procedural propriety is essential for the legitimacy of any ruling. (Noun)

This connects propriety to legal processes, where its strict adherence ensures fairness and legitimacy in legal decisions.

8. Through his critique of social media trends, he observed that the modern concept of propriety has been blurred, with influencers often setting new standards of behavior. (Noun)

This sentence reflects on how the concept of propriety is evolving in the age of social media and online influencers.

9. The philosopher suggested that the moral implications of propriety go beyond etiquette, influencing individual freedoms and societal responsibilities. (Noun)

This explores the deeper moral and ethical dimensions of propriety, linking it to concepts of freedom and societal duty.

10. In his final remarks, the diplomat stressed that the evolving norms of international propriety are crucial to maintaining peaceful relations between countries. (Noun)

This sentence discusses the importance of adapting propriety to modern diplomatic practices to ensure international harmony.

Mastering Propriety

By now, you have explored the word propriety across various levels of complexity, from basic examples of social behavior to more advanced discussions involving its implications in philosophy, law, and international relations. Mastering propriety means understanding the subtle balance between acceptable conduct and the shifting norms that define what is considered proper. With these examples, you should now feel equipped to use propriety effectively in both casual and formal conversations, as well as in professional and academic contexts.