View synonyms for

etiquette

[ et-i-kit, -ket ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.
a prescribed or accepted code of usage in matters of ceremony, as at a court or in official or other formal observances.
the code of ethical behavior regarding professional practice or action among the members of a profession in their dealings with each other:
medical etiquette.

etiquette

/ ˈɛtɪˌkɛt; ˌɛtɪˈkɛt /

noun

the customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life
a conventional but unwritten code of practice followed by members of any of certain professions or groups
medical etiquette

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Word History and Origins

Origin of etiquette¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from French é�پ��ܱ�ٳٱ�, Middle French estiquette “ticket, label, memorandum,” derivative of estiqu(i)er “to attach, stick” from Germanic. See stick ², -ette

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Word History and Origins

Origin of etiquette¹

C18: from French, from Old French estiquette label, from estiquier to attach; see stick ²

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Synonym Study

Etiquette, decorum, propriety imply observance of the formal requirements governing behavior in polite society. Etiquette refers to conventional forms and usages: the rules of etiquette. Decorum suggests dignity and a sense of what is becoming or appropriate for a person of good breeding: a fine sense of decorum. Propriety (usually plural) implies established conventions of morals and good taste: She never fails to observe the proprieties.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The magazine is famed for its etiquette advice and adverts for butlers, nannies and discreet liaisons with well-heeled 60-somethings.

From

The incident has stirred a lively debate on social media, with many Indians weighing in on aeroplane bathroom etiquette.

From

“There’s a lot more respect and etiquette that he deserved in the way that that was handled on my end.”

From

Apart from music and dance lessons, their training also covered etiquette and engaging in discussions, to prepare them for media interviews.

From

Several summers of simmering tension has, in the first days of 2025, exploded into a full-on turf war, sparking debate about Australian culture and beach etiquette.

From

etiology Etna

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