decorous

[dek-er-uhs, dih-kawr-uhs, -kohr-]

adjective

1. characterized by dignified propriety in conduct, manners, appearance, character, etc.

   Synonyms: becoming, proper
   Antonyms: undignified

decorous

/ ˈdɛkərəs /

adjective

1. characterized by propriety in manners, conduct, etc

Other Word Forms

• decorously adverb
• decorousness noun
• nondecorous adjective
• nondecorously adverb
• nondecorousness noun
• undecorous adjective
• undecorously adverb
• undecorousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorous¹

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. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorous¹

C17: from Latin decōrus, from decor elegance

Example Sentences

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.

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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.

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Notwithstanding the decorous and professional language of McAfee’s order, it lands several haymakers on Willis’ judgment and probity.

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It was an extraordinary spectacle that exemplified the raucous nature of modern American politics, one that made clear how far Washington has traveled from the days of decorous presidential addresses aimed at the history books.

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Davidsen is statuesque, and her sound is too: grand and decorous.

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Related Words

• civilized 
• polite 
• sedate 
• staid