seemly

seem·ly

adj \ˈsēm-lē\

seem·li·erseem·li·est

Definition of SEEMLY

1

a : good-looking, handsome b : agreeably fashioned : attractive

2

: conventionally proper : decorous <not seemly to brag about oneself>

3

: suited to the occasion, purpose, or person : fit

— seem·li·ness noun

— seemly adverb

Examples of SEEMLY

1. <it would not be seemly to use the memorial service as a forum for your political views>
2. <a young man of seemly appearance, robust health, and keen intelligence>

Origin of SEEMLY

Middle English semely, from Old Norse sœmiligr, from sœmr fitting

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SEEMLY

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

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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