seemly
/'si:mli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Proper, appropriate, or fitting according to accepted standards of conduct or good taste: "seemly" describes behavior, appearance, or actions that are suitable, decorous, and in accordance with social norms or propriety. It implies a sense of decency and respectability.
Usage
- The adjective "seemly" is used to describe actions, manners, or conduct that are considered correct and appropriate in a given social context. It is a formal word, often used in discussions of etiquette, decorum, or moral behavior. It is typically used in positive contexts to approve of something as fitting.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The guests maintained a seemly silence during the ceremony.
- It is seemly to express gratitude for a gift.
- Her seemly conduct at the formal dinner impressed the hosts.
Advanced Usage
- "It is seemly to...": A formal construction used to state what is considered proper behavior.
- It is seemly to offer condolences to the bereaved family.
- "In a seemly manner": Describes performing an action with propriety.
- The dispute was resolved in a seemly manner, without any public arguments.
Variants and Related Words
- Seemliness (noun): The quality of being seemly; propriety.
- The seemliness of his actions was never in question.
- Unseemly (adjective): The direct opposite, meaning improper or inappropriate.
- Their loud argument was unseemly for such a solemn occasion.
Synonyms
- Proper: Correct according to social or moral rules.
- Decorous: In keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained.
- Appropriate: Suitable or proper in the circumstances.
- Fitting: Suitable or appropriate under the circumstances.
- Comely (archaic/literary): Pleasant to look at; also, proper or seemly in behavior.
Antonyms
- Unseemly: Not proper or appropriate.
- Improper: Not in accordance with accepted standards, especially of morality or honesty.
- Indecorous: Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper.
- Inappropriate: Not suitable or proper in the circumstances.
Idioms and Phrases
- "To behave in a seemly fashion": To act with proper decorum.
- The children were instructed to behave in a seemly fashion at the wedding.
- "A seemly distance": A proper or respectful amount of space, often metaphorical.
- The journalist maintained a seemly distance from the subject's private life.
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