Seemly meaning

sēmlē
seemlier seemliest
See word origin
Frequency:
Conforming to standards of conduct and good taste; suitable.

Seemly behavior.

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In a seemly manner; suitably.
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Pleasing in appearance; fair; handsome.
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Suitable, proper, fitting, or becoming, esp. as regards conventional standards of conduct or good taste; decorous.
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In a seemly manner; properly, fittingly, etc.
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(of behavi) Appropriate; suited to the occasion or purpose; becoming.

His behavior was seemly, as befits a gentleman.

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Of pleasing appearance; handsome.
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Origin of seemly

  • Middle English semely from Old Norse sœmiligr from sœmr fitting sem-1 in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle English semely.

    From Wiktionary

Seemly Sentence Examples

  • Nor are they revealed universally, but in a seemly way.

  • Even more striking is the fact that in civilized countries what is permitted at certain times is forbidden at others; a woman will expose far more of her person at night, in the ballroom or theatre, than would be considered seemly by day in the street; and a bathing costume which would be thought modest on the beach would meet with reprobation in a town.

  • The furnishings are a simple, late 18th century affair, painted in a seemly manner in recent years.

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