ETIQUETTE Definition & Meaning

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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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51�Թ� 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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51�Թ� 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 incident has stirred a lively debate on social media, with many Indians weighing in on aeroplane bathroom etiquette.

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

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

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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.

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In another survey, three in 10 managers told ResumeBuilder.com they try to avoid hiring Gen Z workers, saying they lack traditional workplace etiquette.

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