Respectables

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Being regarded as socially acceptable or proper within a certain standard or community
  2. Individuals who are viewed positively and held in esteem by others
  3. Describing activities, behaviors, or individuals that conform to societal norms and garner approval

Etymology: The term "respectables" traces its origins to the word "respectable," which itself comes from the Latin "respectabilis," meaning "worthy of respect." This Latin root is derived from "respectus," which means "regard" or "consideration," and is formed from the verb "respicere," meaning "to look back at" or "to regard." The adjective made its way into English in the early 17th century, signifying people who were deemed worthy of esteem or honor due to their behavior, status, or morality. The formation of "respectables" as a noun is a straightforward application of the pluralization of "respectable," but its usage carries a nuanced connotation. Emerging in the 19th century, the term typically referred to a specific social class—the bourgeoisie or middle class—whose values and lifestyle were often characterized by propriety, decorum, and a certain moral rectitude. In this context, it came to embody not just individual behavior but also a collective identity, representing a group that upheld societal norms and standards. As the social landscape evolved, the meaning of "respectables" gradually shifted. Initially denoting a positive trait, it sometimes took on a more ironic or even pejorative nuance, particularly in critiques of social conventions. Writers and thinkers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Oscar Wilde, often used the term to challenge the rigid moral codes and hypocrisy they perceived within this class. Therefore, "respectables" became not only a descriptor of a social group but also a focal point for debates about morality, ethics, and the authenticity of social values. In summary, this word encapsulates a rich interplay between societal expectations and individual behavior. It reflects how language can evolve from denoting admiration to critiquing conformity, highlighting the complexities of social identity throughout history.

Synonyms: decent people, upstanding citizens, honorable individuals, good folks, law-abiding citizens

Antonyms: criminals, dishonorable, immoral, deceitful