bienséance

Bienséance is a French noun meaning propriety, decorum, or etiquette in the sense of socially appropriate conduct. It refers to the norms, attitudes, and behaviors considered suitable in a given context, including speech, dress, tone, and deference to others. The concept covers both interpersonal manners and the broader expectations of public life, aiming to maintain civility, harmony, and mutual respect.

Historically, bienséance played a central role in early modern and Enlightenment discussions of civility and manners. It guided how people spoke in salons and courts, how subordinates addressed superiors, and what topics were considered appropriate in various settings. Philosophers, writers, and political commentators used the term to evaluate or defend conduct, linking propriety to virtue, restraint, and consideration for others. While closely related to etiquette and decorum, bienséance encompasses a wider sense of tact and suitability beyond formal rules.

Etymology-wise, the term derives from Old French bien seant, literally “good seating” or “properly seated,” and later generalized to mean fitting or proper. The noun bienséance emerged in medieval and early modern usage and became a standard part of literary, social, and political discourse.

In contemporary French, bienséance remains a neutral descriptor of expected propriety in public life and discourse. It is often invoked in discussions of civility, political rhetoric, media, or institutional conduct, and is contrasted with excessive or inappropriate speech or behavior. See also etiquette, decorum, civility.