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decorum

dih-KOR-uhm /dɪˈkɔːrəm/

nounC1GRESATCAT

formalliterary

Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety; etiquette.

Refers specifically to outward behavior, dress, and speech that conforms to social expectations of dignity, order, and appropriateness.

The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, decorum was a key concept in rhetoric and aesthetics, popularized by Cicero. It meant that speech or behavior must perfectly suit the speaker's status, the audience, and the occasion. It wasn't about being stuffy; it was about harmony and fitting in beautifully.

Word relationships

propriety: Propriety emphasizes conformity to established standards of moral or social correctness, whereas decorum focuses more on the outward grace, dignity, and orderliness of behavior.

impropriety: Impropriety refers to behavior that violates accepted standards of correctness or morality, whereas decorum is the strict adherence to those standards.

Commonly confused with

decoration: Decoration is an ornament or embellishment, while decorum is proper and dignified behavior.

Word family

decorous (adjective): In keeping with good taste and propriety.
decorously (adverb): In a decorous or proper manner.

Collocations

sense of decorum
maintain decorum
breach of decorum

Example sentences

"He conducteth himself with much decorum and gravity." Historical record of civic behavior

Memory hook

Think of 'decor' in a room. Just as decor makes a room look organized and tasteful, decorum makes your behavior look organized and tasteful. Decorum keeps the decorum of the room.

When not to use

Do not use to describe internal moral purity or ethics; it is strictly about external social standards and dignified presentation.

Fun facts

In the British House of Commons, the Speaker is responsible for maintaining 'parliamentary decorum,' which includes banning unparliamentary language like calling another member a liar.