decorous

UK: /ˈdɛkərəs/

US: /ˈdɛkərəs/

US: (dek′ər əs, di kôr′əs, -kōr′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

dec•o•rous /ˈdɛkərəs/   adj. 

1. showing respect for social customs and manners;
   proper and suitable:
   decorous behavior during the solemn occasion.

dec•o•rous•ly, adv.: 

He behaved as decorously as he could.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

dec•o•rous  (dek′ər əs, di kôr′əs, -kōr′-), adj. 

1. characterized by dignified propriety in conduct, manners, appearance, character, etc.

• Latin decōrus seemly, becoming, derivative of decus; see decorate, -ous
• 1655–65

dec′o•rous•ly, adv. 
dec′o•rous•ness, n. 
Synonyms

proper, becoming.

Antonyms

undignified.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

decorous / ˈdɛkərəs/ adjective

1. characterized by propriety in manners, conduct, etc

Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin decōrus, from decor elegance

ˈdecorously adverb

ˈdecorousness noun