decorous

dec·o·rous

adj \ˈde-kər-əs also di-ˈkȯr-əs\

Definition of DECOROUS

: marked by propriety and good taste : correct <decorous conduct>

— dec·o·rous·ly adverb

— dec·o·rous·ness noun

Examples of DECOROUS

1. <we were asked to be on our most decorous behavior at the formal event>
2. <the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court>

Origin of DECOROUS

Latin decorus, from decor beauty, grace; akin to Latin decēre to be fitting — more at decent

First Known Use: 1653

Related to DECOROUS

Synonyms: befitting, correct, decent, proper, de rigueur, genteel, nice, polite, respectable, seemly

Antonyms: improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly

Related Words: acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable; dress, dressy, formal; dignified, elegant, gracious; priggish, prim, stiff, stuffy; apt, material, relevant; compatible, congenial, harmonious; allowed, authorized, kosher, permitted

Near Antonyms: intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory; casual, grungy, informal; seedy, shabby, tacky; banned, barred, disallowed; forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; awkward, gauche, ungraceful

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DECOROUS

canorous, Centaurus, clitoris, pelorus, phosphorous, sonorous, thesaurus