decorum
dih-KOR-um
/dɪˈkɔːrəm/
Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.
Decorum is about the 'fitness' of behavior to a situation; it suggests a dignified, controlled, and appropriate manner.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'decor' (beauty, grace). It originally referred to what was 'fitting' or 'becoming' for a person of high status. It is related to the word 'decorate'.
Word relationships
- propriety: Propriety is the quality of being proper; decorum is the outward behavior that shows that propriety.
- seemliness: Seemliness is an older term for behavior that 'seems' or fits the occasion.
- indecorum: Indecorum is behavior that is not fitting or is in poor taste.
Commonly confused with
- etiquette: Etiquette is the list of rules; decorum is the dignified behavior of following those rules.
Word family
- decorous (adjective): In keeping with good taste.
- decorously (adverb): In a decorous manner.
Collocations
- maintain decorum
- sense of decorum
- proper decorum
- breach of decorum
Example sentences
- "He was a man of the most rigid decorum, never allowing a single unpolished word to escape his lips." Classic Literature
- "The judge demanded that the lawyers maintain a sense of decorum throughout the heated trial." Legal
Memory hook
To maintain 'decorum', you must act like you are in a 'courtroom'. Decorum is for the 'decor' of the soul.
When not to use
Avoid using 'decorum' in very casual settings; it implies a level of formality and self-restraint.
Fun facts
- In classical architecture, 'decorum' was the principle that a building's style should match its function.
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