Decorous

/ˈdɛkəɹəs/ · adjective

Meaning

Marked by behaviour, manners, etc., regarded as proper, tasteful, and in accordance with accepted standards; becoming, seemly..

Definitions by Sense

1. Marked by behaviour, manners, etc., regarded as proper, tasteful, and in accordance with accepted standards; becoming, seemly.
2. (obsolete) Appropriate, suitable.

Example Sentences

The narrovv path of truth and virtue inclines neither to the right nor left—it is a ſtraightforvvard buſineſs, and they vvho are earneſtly purſuing their road, may bound over many decorous prejudices, vvithout leaving modeſty behind.

[S]ome grumbling voice, / Which now and then will make a slight inroad / Upon decorous silence, […]

There came a day when the round of decorous pleasures and solemn gaieties in which Mr. Jos Sedley’s family indulged, was interrupted by an event which happens in most houses.

On these beautiful moonlight nights, Rome appears to keep awake and stirring, though in a quiet and decorous way.

To this Defensio Wordsworth afterward added a supplement, and the two form a treatise of permanent value for philosophic statement and decorous English.

But who can fathom the subtleties of the human heart? Certainly not those who expect from it only decorous sentiments and normal emotions.

The green eyes in the carefully sweet face were turbulent, willful, lusty with life, distinctly at variance with her decorous demeanor.

[B]oth the truth vvhich the Prophecy aims at is faithfully conveyed, and that decorous embelliſhment in the external Cortex of the Prophecy punctually obſerved.

Synonyms for decorous

Antonyms for decorous

Related Words

Word Forms

• more decorous
• most decorous

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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