decorum

[ dih-kawr-uhm, -kohr- ]

noun

1. dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.

   Synonyms: politeness, dignity

2. the quality or state of being decorous, or exhibiting such dignified propriety; orderliness; regularity.
3. Usually decorums. an observance or requirement of polite society.

decorum

/ dɪˈkɔːrəm /

noun

1. propriety, esp in behaviour or conduct
2. a requirement of correct behaviour in polite society

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorum¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin decōrum, noun use of neuter of decōrus decorous

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorum¹

C16: from Latin: propriety

Synonym Study

See etiquette.

Example Sentences

These nonchalant brutalities seem at first at odds with the genteel decorum that mostly cloaks late-19th century culture.

From The Daily Beast

And literary decorum, to elaborate, is almost the opposite of what decorum means in real life, which means etiquette basically.

From The Daily Beast

They thanked him profusely for his public service, apologized for Republican hectoring, and complained about decorum.

From The Daily Beast

At a certain point is past the line of decorum, but, you know, this is New York.

From The Daily Beast

Not to mention violating whatever sense of decorum is left in the halls of Congress.

From The Daily Beast

His present repose and decorum contrasted strangely with the fanciful display at his first introduction.

From Project Gutenberg

Different parties of dogs were introduced to each other with an appearance of the greatest decorum.

From Project Gutenberg

By the laws of decorum, for instance, old men should be querulous and young boys given to sudden anger.

From Project Gutenberg

But he could not transfer to his pictures a decorum and a common sense that had no place in his mind.

From Project Gutenberg

Had he pleaded ill-health, he might have done so with decorum.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• civility
• correctness
• decency
• demeanor
• dignity
• gentility
• orderliness
• politeness
• propriety
• respectability