decorum
Americannoun
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dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
- Synonyms:
- dignity, politeness
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the quality or state of being decorous, or exhibiting such dignified propriety; orderliness; regularity.
-
Usually decorums an observance or requirement of polite society.
noun
-
propriety, esp in behaviour or conduct
-
a requirement of correct behaviour in polite society
Related Words
See etiquette.
Etymology
Origin of decorum
First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin decōrum, noun use of neuter of decōrus decorous
Explanation
Decorum is proper and polite behavior. If you let out a big belch at a fancy dinner party, you're not showing much decorum. This noun is from Latin decōrus "proper, becoming, handsome," from décor "beauty, grace," which is also the source of English décor. The corresponding adjective is decorous, meaning "well-behaved in a particular situation." Both decorum and decorous are often used to describe behavior in a classroom or courtroom.
Vocabulary lists containing decorum
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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.
Back then, he knew he had to eke out a mealy-mouthed apology for the sake of decorum.
From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026
Japan's emperor is generally treated with hushed reverence, but one man stripped away all decorum -- quite literally -- during a New Year's event on Friday, local media reported.
From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026
He also asked everyone in the court room to "behave with decorum" and to respect the court.
From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025
Most people watch “Downton” for the tart, gently comedic exchanges and adorably antiquated decorum.
From Salon • Nov. 1, 2025
The honored guests moved silently upon the platform, herded toward their high, carved chairs by Dr. Bledsoe with the decorum of a portly head waiter.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
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.
