DECORUM

decorum, decorousness

(noun) propriety in manners and conduct

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

decorum (countable and uncountable, plural decorums)

(uncountable) Appropriate social behavior; propriety

(countable) A convention of social behavior

Source: Wiktionary


De*cor"um, n. Etym: [L. dec, fr. dec. See Decorous.]

Definition: Propriety of manner or conduct; grace arising from suitableness of speech and behavior to one's own character, or to the place and occasion; decency of conduct; seemliness; that which is seemly or suitable. Negligent of the duties and decorums of his station. Hallam. If your master Would have a queen his beggar, you must tell him, That majesty, to keep decorum, must No less beg than a kingdom. Shak.

Syn.

– Decorum, Dignity. Decorum, in accordance with its etymology, is that which is becoming in outward act or appearance; as, the decorum of a public assembly. Dignity springs from an inward elevation of soul producing a corresponding effect on the manners; as, dignity of personal appearance.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

26 March 2025

CAST

(noun) bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.

coffee icon