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Meaning & use

decorous

adjective·Advancedformalold-fashioned

Last updated

UK/ˈdekərəs/
US/ˈdekərəs/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Showing good manners and self-control, in a way that suits a formal or serious occasion.

    Grammar: Describes people or conduct: a decorous guest, decorous behavior.

    Patterns

    • decorous in something
    • a decorous something

    The guests stayed decorous throughout the long diplomatic dinner.

    She gave a decorous nod and took her seat.

    The students were decorous in the presence of the visiting bishop.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Restrained and proper in style, avoiding anything shocking or showy.

    Grammar: Can describe dress, language or settings: a decorous silence.

    Patterns

    • a decorous silence
    • decorous dress

    Her decorous dress was long-sleeved and plain gray.

    The novel offers a decorous version of a scandalous story.

    A decorous silence followed the speech.

Word forms

comparativemore decorous
superlativemost decorous

Common combinations

decorous behavior
Decorous behavior was expected at the royal ceremony.
a decorous silence
A decorous silence settled over the church.
decorous manner
He greeted the judge in a decorous manner.
strictly decorous
The party was strictly decorous, with no loud music.
decorous distance
They kept a decorous distance at the funeral.

Synonyms and how they differ

proper
Proper is common and plain, while decorous has a more formal, slightly old-fashioned ring.
seemly
Seemly means fitting for the occasion, whereas decorous stresses the visible restraint of the person.
polite
Polite refers to good manners in general, while decorous suggests stiff, dignified conduct for a ceremonial setting.
demure
Demure suggests quiet modesty, often of a woman, while decorous is about correct behavior in public.

Opposites

unrulyindecorousboisterous

Word family

decorum noun
correct, polite behavior
decorously adverb
in a proper, dignified way
decorousness noun
the quality of being proper
indecorous adjective
improper or in poor taste

Commonly confused: decorous or decorative?

decorous vs decorative

Decorative means ornamental and refers to things, while decorous describes proper behavior.

Practice

At the formal tea, the children were unusually ___, sitting quietly and thanking the host.

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