Decorum meaning

dĭ-kôr'əm
Decorum is defined as appropriate, polite behavior in society.

An example of decorum is to show good table manners.

noun
10
3
(countable) A convention of social behavior.
noun
2
0
The conventions or requirements of polite behavior.

The formalities and decorums of a military funeral.

noun
2
1
Propriety and good taste in behavior, dress, etc.
noun
2
1
An act or requirement of polite behavior.
noun
2
1
Advertisement
(uncountable) Appropriate social behavior; propriety.
noun
0
1
Appropriateness of behavior or conduct; propriety.
noun
0
2
The appropriateness of an element of an artistic or literary work, such as style or tone, to its particular circumstance or to the composition as a whole.
noun
0
2

Origin of decorum

  • Latin decōrum from decōrus becoming, handsome decorous
    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
  • From Latin decōrus (“proper, decent”).
    From Wiktionary

Decorum Sentence Examples

  • There was decorum in the countenance he wore.

  • Perhaps you could respond to Andy's points and restore a little decorum here.

  • She accepted his report, not without obvious sadness but with business-like decorum and no sign of tears.

  • He was a regular observer of religious rites, took great pains to secure decorum in the services of the church, and was generous in almsgiving both within his empire and without.

  • When this ebony bird flew in it was beguiling my sad fancy into smiling by the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.

More sentences →

Related articles

Also Mentioned In

Words near decorum in the Dictionary