Decorous
Characterized by proper, tasteful, and socially appropriate conduct or dress; showing good manners and propriety.
adjectiveDecorous
Characterized by proper, tasteful, and socially appropriate conduct or dress; showing good manners and propriety.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine arriving at a formal banquet where guests speak softly, hold doors for one another, and choose words carefully to avoid offense; the room exudes calm and refined dignity.
Sounds Like
DEK-ər-əs
Looks Like
decor + ous
Remember This
Decorous is tied to decorum and propriety; it is not about decoration itself. The word shares a root with 'decorum' and 'decorative,' but retains a sense of manners, not ornament.
Other Forms
Connect With
propriety, etiquette, decorum, dignity, genteel
Note
Use decorous to describe behavior or dress appropriate for formal or solemn settings. Do not use for casual environments. Adverb form: decorously.
Study Deeper
- The ambassador's decorous speech impressed the guests and set a respectful tone for the evening.
- She wore a decorous gown and spoke in a decorous, measured voice.
From Latin decorus 'proper, seemly', from decus 'honor, ornament'.
DECO-rous: Do Every Courtesy, Observe Respect (a quick reminder that decorous behavior is about keeping proper etiquette).
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