improper

/im'prɔpə/

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Word: Improper

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "improper" describes something that is not appropriate, suitable, or right for a specific situation. It can also refer to actions or behaviors that do not follow moral, legal, or social rules.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "improper" when you want to describe something that does not fit well in a particular context or when something is considered wrong or unacceptable.

Examples:

1. Not Appropriate: "Wearing shorts to a formal wedding would be considered improper attire."
2. Moral or Legal Issues: "The company was fined for engaging in improper banking practices."
3. Social Convention: "It's improper to interrupt someone while they are speaking."

Advanced Usage:

• "Improper" can be used in more complex sentences to discuss various contexts, such as legal matters or behaviors in social settings. For example: "His improper conduct at the event resulted in a loss of reputation."

Word Variants:

• Impropriety (noun): The quality of being improper. Example: "His impropriety at the meeting caused discomfort."
• Improperly (adverb): In an improper manner. Example: "She acted improperly by making personal remarks during the interview."

Different Meanings:

1. Social/Behavioral Context: Not conforming to accepted standards of behavior (e.g., improper behavior at a party).
2. Legal Context: Actions that do not comply with laws or regulations (e.g., improper use of funds).

Synonyms:

• Inappropriate
• Unseemly
• Unacceptable
• Unsuitable
• Indecent

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "improper" itself does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you can use phrases that convey similar meanings: - "Out of line": This means behaving in a way that is improper or inappropriate. Example: "His comments at the meeting were out of line." - "Cross the line": This means to go beyond what is acceptable or proper. Example: "She crossed the line when she made that joke."

Summary:

"Improper" is a useful word to describe anything that is not right, suitable, or acceptable in a given situation. It can refer to behavior, clothing, actions, and more, and it is often used in both social and legal contexts.

Academic

Adjective

1. not appropriate for a purpose or occasion
   • said all the wrong things
2. not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention
   • an unconventional marriage
   • improper banking practices
3. not suitable or right or appropriate
   • slightly improper to dine alone with a married man
   • improper medication
   • improper attire for the golf course

Synonyms

• wrong
• unconventional
• unlawful