decorous
/'dekərəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Proper and polite in behavior or appearance: Behaving in a way that is socially acceptable, appropriate, and shows respect for conventional standards of good taste.
- Characterized by dignity and good taste: Exhibiting a restrained, respectable, and fitting manner, free from vulgarity or excess.
Usage
The adjective "decorous" describes behavior, conduct, or appearance that is correct, polite, and suitable for a formal or serious social situation. It implies a conscious adherence to accepted norms of propriety.
Examples
- The guests maintained a decorous silence during the solemn ceremony.
- Her decorous demeanor at the diplomatic reception impressed everyone.
- The debate was surprisingly decorous, with each speaker showing respect for their opponent.
- He offered a decorous apology for the unintended slight.
Advanced Usage
- "decorous in the extreme": An emphatic phrase meaning exceptionally or excessively proper.
- The Victorian tea party was decorous in the extreme, with not a single word spoken out of turn.
Variants and Related Words
- Decorum (noun): Behavior that is controlled, calm, and polite, and that follows the accepted rules of society.
- He acted with great decorum throughout the trial.
- Indecorous (adjective): Lacking propriety or good taste; not decorous.
- His indecorous comments shocked the audience.
Synonyms
- Proper: Correct according to social or moral rules.
- Seemly: Conforming to accepted notions of propriety or good taste.
- Comely (archaic in this sense): Pleasant and appropriate in appearance; decent.
- Becoming: Suitable or appropriate for a particular person or occasion.
Antonyms
- Indecorous: Not in keeping with good taste and propriety.
- Unseemly: Not proper or appropriate for the situation.
- Improper: Not in accordance with accepted standards, especially of morality or honesty.
Adjective
- according with custom or propriety
- her becoming modesty
- comely behavior
- it is not comme il faut for a gentleman to be constantly asking for money
- a decent burial
- seemly behavior
- characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct
- the tete-a-tete was decorous in the extreme