decorum
Americannoun
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dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
- Synonyms:
- dignity, politeness
-
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
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.
Words about decorum and marriage and remembering my place.
From Literature
Theo gives a formal bow at the neck, which he must intuit would appeal to my father’s sense of respect and decorum.
From Literature
But Handsome was a friend, and Duane knew that Handsome preferred, as he put it, to obey the rules and etiquette of society in regard to the decorum of social gatherings both big and small.
From Literature
"One could consider this the contemporary version of newspaper political cartoons, but there is a notable lack of decorum when it comes through official government communication channels."
From Barron's
Live tennis and live golf offer details that can’t be captured on television, but there are rules of decorum and big potential for monotony.
From Los Angeles 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.
