respectability
The quality of being seen by other people as good, honest, and proper in normal society.
The quality or state of being regarded as morally correct, decent, and socially acceptable.
A safe, normal social position or way of life that other people see as proper and respectable.
A socially approved, respectable position or way of life, especially one associated with stability and conventional middle-class values.
The state of being seen as real, serious, and acceptable in a special area, like science, art, or politics.
The status of being widely accepted as serious, valid, or legitimate within a particular field, discipline, or area of activity.
- Base: respectability
- Plural: respectability
a cloak of respectability
1respectable image that hides wrongdoing
A respectable public image that is used to cover or hide bad or illegal actions.
- The company used its environmental work as a cloak of respectability for its other harmful practices.
- The school was a cloak of respectability for a group of extremists.
a veneer of respectability
1a thin show of being respectable
A thin or false appearance of being respectable that hides bad or dishonest things underneath.
- The charity gave a veneer of respectability to his money-laundering scheme.
- The old family name provided a veneer of respectability, but the business was deeply corrupt.
an air of respectability
1a general feeling of respectability
A general feeling or look that makes someone or something seem respectable.
- The dark wood and quiet music gave the bar an air of respectability.
- His suit and careful manners created an air of respectability that people trusted.
for the sake of respectability
1in order to seem respectable
Because you want to appear respectable to other people, not because you really want to do it.
- They stayed together for the sake of respectability, not love.
- He took a steady job for the sake of respectability and to please his family.
respectability politics
1strategy of behaving respectably for acceptance
The idea that people, often from a minority group, should act and look very respectable to gain acceptance or fair treatment from the wider society.
- Critics argue that respectability politics put unfair pressure on Black communities.
- The debate over respectability politics has shaped discussions of protest and public image.