seemly Hear it!

seemly Definition

seemly (sēm′lē)

adjective -·lier, -·li·est

  1. pleasing in appearance; fair; handsome
  2. suitable, proper, fitting, or becoming, esp. as regards conventional standards of conduct or good taste; decorous

Etymology: ME semlich < ON sœmiligr < sœmr, fitting < sœma: see seem

adverb

Archaic in a seemly manner; properly, fittingly, etc.

seemly Related Forms
seem′·li·ness noun
seemly Synonyms

seemly

modif.

  1. Suitable

    timely, appropriate, suitable; see fit 1, 2.

  2. Attractive

    pleasing, good-looking, comely; see beautiful 1, 2, charming.

seemly Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • manner: The furnishings are a simple, late 18th century affair, painted in a seemly manner in recent years.
  • way: Nor are they revealed universally, but in a seemly way.

Browse dictionary entries near seemly

  1. ‹ seemingly
  2. ‹ seeming
  3. ‹ seem
  4. ‹ seel
  5. ‹ seeking
  6. ‹ seek
  7. ‹ Seeing Eye dog
  8. ‹ seeing
  9. ‹ seedy
  10. ‹ seedtime
  1. seen ›
  2. seep ›
  3. seepage ›
  4. seer ›
  5. seeress ›
  6. seersucker ›
  7. seesaw ›
  8. seethe ›
  9. Seferis ›
  10. seg ›