improper

improper
—improperly, adv. —improperness, n.
/im prop"euhr/, adj.
1. not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous: He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence.
2. not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc.: improper conduct at a funeral.
3. unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion: improper attire for a formal dance.
4. abnormal or irregular: improper functioning of the speech mechanism.
[1535-45; < L improprius. See IM-2, PROPER]
Syn. 1-3. inapplicable, unsuited, unfit. 2. indecorous. IMPROPER, INDECENT, UNBECOMING, UNSEEMLY are applied to that which is unfitting or not in accordance with propriety. IMPROPER has a wide range, being applied to whatever is not suitable or fitting, and often specifically to what does not conform to the standards of conventional morality: improper diet; improper behavior in church; improper language.
INDECENT, a strong word, is applied to what is offensively contrary to standards of propriety and esp. of modesty: indecent behavior, literature. UNBECOMING is applied to what is esp. unfitting in the person concerned: conduct unbecoming a minister. UNSEEMLY is applied to whatever is unfitting or improper under the circumstances: unseemly mirth.
Ant. 1, 3. fitting, suitable. 2. proper.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • improper — [im präp′ər] adj. [OFr impropre < L improprius: see IN 2 & PROPER] 1. not suitable for or consistent with the purpose or circumstances; poorly adapted; unfit 2. not in accordance with the truth, fact, or rule; wrong; incorrect 3. contrary to… …   English World dictionary

  • Improper — Im*prop er, v. t. To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor. Jewel. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  • improper — (adj.) mid 15c., not true, from Fr. impropre (14c.), from L. improprius, from assimilated form of in not, opposite of (see IN (Cf. in ) (1)) + proprius (see PROPER (Cf. proper)). Meaning not suited, unfit is from 1560s; that of not in accordance… …   Etymology dictionary

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  • improper — ► ADJECTIVE 1) not conforming with accepted standards of behaviour. 2) unseemly or indecent. DERIVATIVES improperly adverb …   English terms dictionary

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