decorum

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noun de·co·rum \ di-ˈkȯr-əm \

Definition of decorum

1 :literary and dramatic propriety :fitness

according to strict neoclassic decorum only the aristocracy had the right to appear in tragedy
—Irving Babbitt

2 :propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance

strict in her notions of decorum
—Jane Austen

3 :orderliness

the organization's decorum has rarely been shaken
—W. F. Longgood

4 decorums plural :the conventions of polite behavior

the established sobrieties and decorums of English life
—H. G. Wells

See decorum defined for English-language learners

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Examples of decorum in a Sentence

He has no sense of decorum.
high standards of decorum are usually required when attending the opera

Recent Examples of decorum from the Web

An official Trump endorsement would be a serious breach of GOP decorum that calls for Republicans to stand by fellow incumbents.

— sean sullivan, Washington Post, "As Trump heads to Arizona, GOP leaders want him out of Jeff Flake’s Senate race," 21 Aug. 2017
Major league umpires have joined America’s growing list of solidarity movements and declared that some criticism crosses the line of even baseball decorum.

— john henry, star-telegram, "Umpires at Rangers game wear white wristbands in solidarity after Kinsler’s criticism," 19 Aug. 2017
A detailed decorum order issued Thursday lays out the rules for attorneys, media and fans who will be present in the courthouse for the trial.

— ashley cullins, The Hollywood Reporter, "Taylor Swift's Expert on Types of Men Who Assault Women Rejected by Judge in Groping Lawsuit," 21 July 2017
Of course, policing decorum and occasionally laying down the law at the buffet can be crucial to maintaining order.

— davy rothbart, GQ, "Inside the Clothing-Optional Resort of Your Swinging Dreams," 18 July 2017
At one point, board President Iris Taylor had to remind the audience of the board's rules of decorum.

— lori higgins, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit district seeks to renegotiate Durfee school $1-a-year lease agreement," 13 July 2017
Then, out of the blue, the Senate boss saw two colleagues on TV announcing a competing plan — an extraordinary end-run in a body famous for its decorum and a caucus renowned for its discipline.

— alex altman, PEOPLE.com, "‘This Bill’s Gotten Worse’: New Senate GOP Health Plan Struggles to Win Over Critics on Either Side of the Aisle," 13 July 2017
So an extravagant offering was not just unnecessary but also a breach of decorum.

— elise taylor, Vogue, "What JFK Gave Queen Elizabeth the First—And Only—Time They Met," 11 July 2017
Several regulations tightly govern decorum at the cemetery to preserve the sanctity of the burial ground.

— the washington post, AL.com, "Waving American flags banned at Arlington National Cemetery," 4 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decorum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of decorum

Latin, from neuter of decorus — see decorous

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First Known Use: 1568

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decorum Synonyms

Synonyms

decency, form, propriety

Antonyms

impropriety, indecency, indecorum

Near Antonyms

coarseness, crudeness, gracelessness; discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, vulgarity; imprudence, indiscretion; badness, evil, immorality, wickedness; debauchery, degeneracy, degradation, depravity, perversion; crookedness, dishonesty, underhandedness, unscrupulousness

DECORUM Defined for English Language Learners

decorum

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noun

Definition of decorum for English Language Learners

: correct or proper behavior that shows respect and good manners

DECORUM Defined for Kids

decorum

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noun de·co·rum \ di-ˈkȯr-əm \

Definition of decorum for Students

:proper behavior

Grandpa insisted on decorum during the ceremony.

Learn More about decorum

See words that rhyme with decorum Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decorum Spanish Central: Translation of decorum Nglish: Translation of decorum for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of decorum for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about decorum

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DECORUM Defined for English Language Learners

decorum

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