Decorous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈde-kər-əs/ dec·o·rous

Meaning & Definition of Decorous

Decorous (adjective)

  1. marked by propriety and good taste, correct

Decorous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. following the established traditions of refined society and good taste

    "we were asked to be on our most decorous behavior at the formal event"

    similar: befitting, correct, de rigueur, decent, genteel, nice, polite, proper, respectable, seemly
    related: acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable, dress, dressy, formal, dignified, elegant, gracious, priggish, prim, stiff, stuffy, apt, material, relevant, compatible, congenial, harmonious, allowed, authorized, kosher, permitted
    opposite: improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly
    near: intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, casual, grungy, informal, seedy, shabby, tacky, banned, barred, disallowed, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, awkward, gauche, ungraceful

  2. marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details

    "the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court"

    similar: ceremonious, correct, formal, nice, proper, punctilious, starchy, stiff, stiff-necked, stilted
    related: sober, solemn, stately, chivalrous, courtly, gallant, genteel, polished, refined, civil, courteous, polite, red-carpet
    opposite: casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back, unceremonious
    near: improper, indecorous, unmannerly, discourteous, impolite, rude

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Decorous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Decorous:

befitting, correct, de rigueur, decent, genteel, nice, polite, proper, respectable, seemly, ceremonious, formal, punctilious, starchy, stiff, stiff-necked, stilted

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Decorous

Words with the opposite meaning of Decorous:

improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly, casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back, unceremonious

Related Words for Decorous

acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable, dress, dressy, dignified, elegant, gracious, priggish, prim, stuffy, apt, material, relevant, compatible, congenial, harmonious, allowed, authorized, kosher, permitted, sober, solemn, stately, chivalrous, courtly, gallant, polished, refined

Near Antonyms of Decorous

intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, grungy, seedy, shabby, tacky, banned, barred, disallowed, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, awkward, gauche, ungraceful, unmannerly, discourteous, impolite, rude

Word Forms of Decorous

Derived words: decorously (adverb), decorousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Decorous

Latin decorus, from decor beauty, grace; akin to Latin decēre to be fitting decent

First known use: 1653

Frequently Asked Questions about Decorous

What does "Decorous" mean?

"Decorous" means marked by propriety and good taste, correct. As an adjective, it is defined as: marked by propriety and good taste, correct. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Decorous"?

Other words for "Decorous" include befitting, correct, de rigueur, decent, genteel, nice, polite and proper. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Decorous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Decorous"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Decorous". Common alternatives include befitting, correct, de rigueur, decent, genteel, nice, polite, proper, respectable and seemly.

What is the opposite of "Decorous"?

Antonyms of "Decorous" include improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming and ungenteel. Near antonyms include intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory and grungy.

How do you use "Decorous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Decorous" in a sentence: "we were asked to be on our most decorous behavior at the formal event"; "the oppressively decorous standards of a royal court".

Is "Decorous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Decorous" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Decorous"?

"Decorous" is pronounced /ˈde-kər-əs/ and divided into syllables as dec·o·rous.

What is the origin of the word "Decorous"?

"Decorous" comes from Latin decorus, from decor beauty, grace; akin to Latin decēre to be fitting decent. First known use: 1653.