etiquette
/ˈɛtɪkɛt
/ /ɛtɪˈkɛt /noun [mass noun]
The customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group: the rules of etiquette are changing [with modifier]: court etiquette was now familiar to Joan [as modifier]: etiquette books...
- The basic code that helps maintain a healthy society is etiquette towards others.
- Codes and etiquette are no way to deal with issues such as racism, sexism or homophobia.
- She is also an ambassador for UNICEF, and has written a series of best-selling books on etiquette for women.
Synonyms
protocol, polite behaviour, good manners, manners, acceptable behaviour, accepted behaviour, proper behaviour, code of behaviour, rules of conduct/behaviour, decorum, form, good form;
courtesy, politeness, civility, propriety, formalities, niceties, punctilios;
custom, customary behaviour, convention, conformity, conventionality;
French politesse
informal the thing to do
humorous couth
Origin
Mid 18th century: from French étiquette 'list of ceremonial observances of a court', also 'label, etiquette', from Old French estiquette (see ticket).
A French word which means literally ‘label or ticket’ and also ‘list of ceremonial observances at a royal court’. Its Old French root is the source of our word ticket. It is not completely clear why the word moved from meaning ‘ticket or label’ to ‘code of correct behaviour’, but people probably started thinking of an étiquette as a list of correct forms of behaviour.
- safe period
- safe pledge
- safe room
- safe seat
- safe sex
- safety
- safety barrier
- safety bell
- safety belt
- safety bicycle
- safety boat
- safety box
- safety cab
- safety cage
- safety car
- safety catch
- safety chain
- safety committee
- safety-critical
- safety curtain
- safety deposit
- safety distance
- safety engineer
- safety engineering
- safety factor