Unbecomingly Meaning: Definition and Examples

Literature

• Authors like Jane Austen have used the term in their work to highlight characters' social faux pas.
• The concept often appears in Victorian literature where societal expectations influenced behavior heavily.

Cultural Norms

• In many cultures, behaving 'unbecomingly' can result in social ostracism or reputational damage, especially in formal settings.
• The term reflects the way traditional values shape perceptions of appropriate behavior across various societies.

Psychology

• Social Norms Theory suggests that people often modify their behavior to meet societal expectations, highlighting how deviations can be labelled as 'unbecoming.'
• Studies in social psychology show that people tend to judge others more harshly for actions seen as unbecoming within their cultural context.

Pop Culture

• Reality TV often showcases behaviors that are labeled as 'unbecoming' by audiences, emphasizing the clash between personal expression and societal expectations.
• Celebrity gossip columns frequently use the term to describe public figures' missteps in behavior, drawing attention to the struggle between fame and propriety.

Main points about word origin

• The word combines 'un-' meaning not, and 'becoming,' which comes from an Old English term meaning suitable or appropriate.
• It evolved in the late 19th century to describe actions or behavior deemed inappropriate for someone's status or character.

The term 'unbecomingly' is derived from the base word 'become', which has its origins in Old English 'becuman', meaning 'to come to or as a fittingness'. The prefix 'un-' denotes negation, transforming the meaning to imply something that does not fit or is not suitable. The adverb form, created by adding '-ly', suggests a manner of action that is contrary to what is proper or acceptable. Historically, the use of 'unbecoming' has been tied to social standards and etiquette, which have evolved over time. The adverbial form has been utilized in literature and conversation to critique behaviors that do not align with expected social norms, often reflecting the values and mores of the period in which it is used.