etiquette

[et-i-kit, -ket]

noun

1. conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.

2. a prescribed or accepted code of usage in matters of ceremony, as at a court or in official or other formal observances.

3. 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

1. the customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life

2. a conventional but unwritten code of practice followed by members of any of certain professions or groups

   medical etiquette

Word History and Origins

Origin of etiquette¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of etiquette¹

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

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.

Example Sentences

The tension has led to arguments over on-court etiquette - or the lack of it - with net cords, underarm serves and body shots all under scrutiny.

From BBC

Remember that sage advice that worked for Democrats back in the late aughts and early 2010s but now sounds like advice pulled from a 1950s guide to etiquette?

From Los Angeles Times

Sharing food, offering dishes, and even greeting others are all done with the right; it’s an etiquette rooted in respect, not rebellion.

From Salon

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

From BBC

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

From BBC