Prim And Proper

Pronunciation: /prɪm ənd ˈprɑpər/

Definitions of prim and proper

adjective describing someone who is overly formal and proper in behavior or appearance

Example Sentences

A1 She always dresses prim and proper for church on Sundays.

A2 The teacher expected the students to behave prim and proper during the school assembly.

B1 The royal family is known for their prim and proper etiquette at official events.

B2 The restaurant staff were trained to be prim and proper in their interactions with customers.

C1 Despite her prim and proper appearance, she had a rebellious streak that surprised many.

C2 The CEO maintained a prim and proper image in public, but was known to be more relaxed in private settings.

Examples of prim and proper in a Sentence

formal She always presents herself as prim and proper at social events.

informal She may seem prim and proper, but she's actually quite laid-back.

slang Don't be fooled by her prim and proper appearance, she's a wild one at heart.

figurative His prim and proper attitude was like a shield, hiding his true emotions from the world.

Grammatical Forms of prim and proper

• past tense: primmed and propered
• plural: prims and propers
• comparative: more prim and proper
• superlative: most prim and proper
• present tense: prim and proper
• future tense: will be prim and proper
• perfect tense: have primmed and propered
• continuous tense: is being prim and proper
• singular: prim and proper
• positive degree: prim and proper
• infinitive: to be prim and proper
• gerund: primming and propering
• participle: primming and propering

Origin and Evolution of prim and proper

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'prim and proper' originated in England and is believed to have evolved from the Middle English word 'prym' meaning fine or elegant, and the Latin word 'proprius' meaning one's own.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe someone who was excessively neat, precise, and proper in behavior and appearance, the phrase 'prim and proper' has evolved to also imply a sense of being overly formal or uptight.