decorum

[dih-kawr-uhm, -kohr-]

noun

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

   Synonyms: dignity, politeness

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

The commission found that Judge Thornhill had "failed to maintain order and decorum in the courtroom", and recommended he be suspended without pay for six months, then serve for another 18 months before retiring.

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She calls him Tim, not Dad — partially out of decorum in a world where she is lobbying him and his colleagues on a regular basis.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He also asked everyone in the court room to "behave with decorum" and to respect the court.

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Most people watch “Downton” for the tart, gently comedic exchanges and adorably antiquated decorum.

Read more on Salon

For somebody who values decorum and places great store in business being done with discretion, if not outright secrecy, this was another illustration of how abnormal things have become at Celtic.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• civility 
• correctness 
• decency 
• demeanor 
• dignity 
• gentility 
• orderliness www.thesaurus.com
• politeness www.thesaurus.com
• propriety 
• respectability