respectability
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being considered socially acceptable, proper, and decent according to conventional standards.
The state of having a good reputation, being well-regarded, and conforming to societal norms; can also refer to outward appearance of propriety that may mask different realities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries connotations of middle-class values, conventional morality, and social conformity. Can be used neutrally, positively, or with subtle irony/skepticism about superficial appearances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more frequent in British English, with stronger historical class connotations. In American English, often linked more to moral/religious propriety.
Connotations
UK: Strong associations with social class, Victorian values, and 'keeping up appearances'. US: More emphasis on moral character, family values, and community standing.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both varieties, but appears more in UK literature and social commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
achieve/research/regain + respectabilityrespectability + of + NP (the respectability of the profession)respectability + as + NP (respectability as a goal)give/lend + NP + respectabilityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a veneer of respectability”
- “respectability politics”
- “the respectable face of something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to corporate image, ethical standing, and reliability in the market.
Academic
Used in sociology, history, and cultural studies to analyse class, gender, and social norms.
Everyday
Describes family reputation, neighbourhood standards, or personal conduct.
Technical
In statistics/social research, can refer to methodological soundness or acceptance within a field.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new policy aims to respectabilise the industry.
- They sought to respectabilise their rather dubious past.
American English
- The movement worked to respectabilize the profession.
- He tried to respectabilize his image before the election.
adverb
British English
- They were respectably dressed for the occasion.
- The team performed respectably in the tournament.
American English
- He lives respectably in the suburbs.
- The book sold respectably in its first month.
adjective
British English
- They lived in a respectably quiet neighbourhood.
- He gave a respectably argued presentation.
American English
- She came from a respectable middle-class family.
- The company maintained a respectable profit margin.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her family cared a lot about respectability.
- He lost all respectability after the scandal.
- The neighbourhood's respectability was important to its residents.
- They maintained an outward appearance of respectability despite their financial struggles.
- Victorian society was obsessed with notions of moral respectability and propriety.
- The politician used his charity work as a veneer of respectability to conceal corrupt dealings.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RESPECTABLE ABILITY – the ability to be seen as respectable by society.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPECTABILITY IS A FACADE/CLOTHING ("veneer of respectability", "cloak of respectability")
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'уважение' (respect). 'Respectability' – это 'респектабельность', социальная приличность, а не чувство уважения.
- В русском 'респектабельный' часто имеет позитивный оттенок, в английском может быть ироничным.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'respectability' to mean 'respect' (e.g., *He earned my respectability).
- Misspelling as 'respectibility'.
- Using it as a countable noun (*a respectability).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase suggests that respectability might be superficial?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be either. It is positive when describing genuine good standing, but often used with irony or criticism when suggesting conformity or hypocrisy.
'Respect' is a feeling of admiration or regard for someone/something. 'Respectability' is a social quality – the state of being viewed as proper and acceptable by society.
No, it is almost always an uncountable/abstract noun. You do not say 'a respectability' or 'respectabilities'.
It refers to attempts by marginalised groups to gain social acceptance by emphasising conformity to mainstream values and behaviours, often criticised for policing within the group.