improper
Definitions
Not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior; indecent.
不得体的，不正当的
Not suitable or correct for a purpose.
不适当的，不正确的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedim- (not) + proper (fitting, correct) = 'not fitting / not correct.' Where proper means true to what it should be, improper is what doesn't belong — either factually wrong (improper use) or socially wrong (improper conduct).
Root prop still carries 10 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.improper conduct不当行为
- 2.improper use不当使用
- 3.improper behavior不当举止
- 4.improper fraction假分数
Example Sentences
- 1.
He was dismissed for improper use of company funds.
- 2.
It is improper to ask guests about their salaries.
- 3.
Five-thirds is an improper fraction because the top is larger.
Easily Confused
improper vs inappropriate — improper stresses breaking rules or moral/social standards (improper conduct, improper fraction); inappropriate stresses not fitting the situation (inappropriate for the weather). It also has a fixed technical sense in math: an improper fraction (you would never say 'inappropriate fraction').