decorous

dec·o·rous

adjective \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

Rhymes with DECOROUS

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