seemly

1 of 2

adjective

seem·​ly ˈsēm-lē 

seemlier; seemliest

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

seemliness noun

seemly adverb

seemliness

2 of 2

noun

seem·​li·​ness

ˈsēmlēnə̇s, 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being seemly : fitness, propriety

Synonyms of seemly

Adjective

• polite
• proper
• decorous
• respectable
• satisfactory
• acceptable
• nice

Examples of seemly in a Sentence

Adjective

it would not be seemly to use the memorial service as a forum for your political views

a young man of seemly appearance, robust health, and keen intelligence

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Noun

Middle English semelinesse, from semely seemly + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for seemly

• extremely
• unseemly

Kids Definition

seemly

adjective

seem·​ly ˈsēm-lē 

seemlier; seemliest

1

: attractive, handsome

2

: being in good taste : proper

seemly behavior

3

: suitable for the occasion, purpose, or person : fit

a seemly reply

seemliness noun

seemly adverb