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

This weekend’s incivility could be a sign that golf is losing its traditional decorum.

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Instead, they amped up the heckling in a way that may have crossed the line of accepted decorum, even at an event known for being the most raucous party in golf.

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He stipulated that his office will “only work with House and Senate Democratic appropriators ‘if they conduct themselves with decorum.'”

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“Shows like ‘The Bachelor’ try to maintain a level of decorum and something like ‘Love Island’ throws that into their ocean and their pool and their foam parties with both hands.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They’ve spent years watching the people who claim to represent them repeatedly prioritize civility and decorum over actually trying to stop all the horrors we all clearly see.

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Related Words

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