respectability — the quality of being regarded by society as honest, decent, and having good morals
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the quality of being regarded by society as honest, decent, and having good morals
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˌspektəˈbɪləti/
Example Sentences
- His respectability was shattered when his secret double life was exposed
- She wore pearls to add an air of respectability to her punk rock outfit
- The company hired a PR firm to restore its respectability after the scandal
respectability
NOUN[/rɪˌspektəˈbɪləti/]
the quality of being regarded by society as honest, decent, and having good morals

The mayor guards his respectability by shaking every hand at the town parade.

Respect-able gent — earns respectability with decent intent!

True respectability ensures perfect detectability!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'respectus' meaning 'regard' or 'consideration,' formed from 're-' (back) + 'specere' (to look). The English word developed through the adjective 'respectable' plus the noun suffix '-ability.'
Breakdown
re- (back/again) + spect (to look) + -able (worthy of) + -ity (state/quality)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His respectability was shattered when his secret double life was exposed”
“She wore pearls to add an air of respectability to her punk rock outfit”
“The company hired a PR firm to restore its respectability after the scandal”
“My grandmother's obsession with respectability meant we couldn't even chew gum in public”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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