decorous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- decorously adverb
- decorousness noun
- nondecorous adjective
- nondecorously adverb
- nondecorousness noun
- undecorous adjective
- undecorously adverb
- undecorousness noun
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; decent, docent, -ous ( def. )
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.
Their work has been seen as reflecting their vastly different personas—Manet the dashing, witty, impetuous flâneur; Morisot the reserved, intelligent and exceedingly decorous bourgeoise—through the lens of their separate worlds.
The 100-year-old annual honors convocation at the University of Michigan is typically a decorous affair, with a pipe organ accompanying golf-clap applause.
From New York Times
An ad hoc band of 31 artists had issued a riposte to the city’s annual state-sponsored Salon, with its elitist jury system and decorous traditional canvases, by holding an independent exhibition of thoroughly modern art.
From New York Times
Notwithstanding the decorous and professional language of McAfee’s order, it lands several haymakers on Willis’ judgment and probity.
From Los Angeles Times
Davidsen is statuesque, and her sound is too: grand and decorous.
From New York Times
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.
