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

We saw this in Gamergate, where wild speculation about the sex lives of the victims reinforced the framework that the victims do not deserve the protection of basic respect and decorum.

From Salon

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

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

Just slipping into another time when people wore gloves and hats, and there was this sense of decorum and social echelons, was quite interesting.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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