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decorum

/dɪˈkɔrəm/
/dɪˈkɔrəm/
IPA guide

Other forms: decorums

Decorum is proper and polite behavior. If you let out a big belch at a fancy dinner party, you're not showing much decorum.

This noun is from Latin decōrus "proper, becoming, handsome," from décor "beauty, grace," which is also the source of English décor. The corresponding adjective is decorous, meaning "well-behaved in a particular situation." Both decorum and decorous are often used to describe behavior in a classroom or courtroom.

Definitions of decorum
  1. noun
    propriety in manners and conduct
    synonyms: decorousness
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    antonyms:
    indecorum
    a lack of decorum
    types:
    becomingness
    the quality of being becoming
    type of:
    correctitude, properness, propriety
    correct or appropriate behavior
  2. noun
    the fitness of a composition’s style to its subject
    see moresee less
    type of:
    appropriateness
    the quality of being specially suitable
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