Definition

1. 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

1. 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