decorum

[ dih-kawr-uhm, -kohr- ]

noun

1. dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.

   Synonyms: politeness, dignity

2. the quality or state of being decorous, or exhibiting such dignified propriety; orderliness; regularity.
3. Usually decorums. an observance or requirement of polite society.

decorum

/ dɪˈkɔːrəm /

noun

1. propriety, esp in behaviour or conduct
2. a requirement of correct behaviour in polite society

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorum¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin decōrum, noun use of neuter of decōrus decorous

Word History and Origins

Origin of decorum¹

C16: from Latin: propriety

Synonym Study

See etiquette.

Example Sentences

What they’re propagating is far more dangerous than the decline of decorum in politics, or the presidential use of swear words formerly associated with truck drivers and sailors.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a break of decorum, both of theater protocol and personal boundaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than urge Trump to maintain decorum and stick to the issues, Muir effectively brought the debate back to the issues: “Mr. President, I do want to drill down on something you both brought up. The vice president brought up your tariffs, you responded, and let’s drill down on this.”

From Slate

They directly confronted an opponent, Joe Biden, generating headlines for days and had critics questioning whether they had breached some sort of unspoken political decorum.

From BBC

It’s a break of decorum, both of theater protocol and personal boundaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civility
• correctness
• decency
• demeanor
• dignity
• gentility
• orderliness
• politeness
• propriety
• respectability