decorous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of decorous
First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin decōrus “seemly, becoming,” derivative of decus (stem decor- ) “an ornament, splendor, honor,” akin to decēre “to be acceptable, be fitting” and docēre “to teach” (i.e., “to make fitting”) + adjective suffix -ōsus; see decent, docent, -ous ( def. )
Explanation
Something that is decorous is dignified, proper, and in good taste, like your decorous great-aunt who always wears a dress — even when she's only headed to the grocery store. The adjective decorous shares its origins with decoration. Both words come from the Latin word decor, meaning "beauty, elegance, charm, grace, ornament." So, something decorous is attractive. Decorous can also mean "dignified or proper," like your decorous habit of saying, "How do you do?" when you meet someone for the first time.
Vocabulary lists containing decorous
Grade 12, List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Scarlet Letter
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" by Frederick Douglass
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2001, during the museum’s earliest days, Germany was a more upbeat and decorous land.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
Lee Martino’s choreography, like the production as a whole, is at its best when observing decorous constraints.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2026
Davidsen is statuesque, and her sound is too: grand and decorous.
From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2024
To make a point she moved "outside the usual decorous modes of conversation that civil servants use", he says.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2023
Jo couldn’t even lose her heart in a decorous manner, but sternly tried to quench her feelings, and failing to do so, led a somewhat agitated life.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
