Usage Note
Respectabilité denotes the quality of being respected and socially proper. It often carries a slightly ironic edge in modern usage, suggesting that appearances of respectability can mask other realities — une façade de respectabilité ('a veneer of respectability'). The related adjective is respectable.
Examples
"Il tenait à sa respectabilité avant tout."
Natural Translation
He valued his respectability above all.
Literal Translation
He held to his respectability before everything.
Related Words
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