Disproperty

/dɪsˈpɹɑpəɹti/ noun

Definition

An impropriety or unsuitability; a lack of property or appropriateness in behavior or circumstances.

Etymology

From dis- (opposite) + property (from Latin proprietas, 'quality of belonging to oneself'). Property shifted from literal ownership to mean 'propriety' (fitness/appropriateness), and dis- negates it.

Kelly Says

This obsolete word reveals how 'property' once meant both 'possession' and 'proper behavior'—in old English, owning land and acting correctly were linked concepts!

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