decorous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decorous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective which means having or showing conduct in keeping with good taste and propriety. For example, "The guests behaved in a decorous manner during the entire event, which made the event enjoyable for all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The fight over the law makes mud-wrestling look decorous.

The Economist

Unlike his more flashy contemporaries, 6ft-plus aristocrats of the front line towering above their competitors in a series of decorous leaps stage-managed for the highlights reel, Cahill's headers have always emerged up and out of the tangle of bodies in the box, as if capturing the evolution of a collective kinetic mass rather than some deviation from it.

The Guardian - Sport

(I wrote about the case in detail here).Another exposé, with the more decorous name "Sea-flower", surfaced in January.

The Economist

After two months of darkness, a thread would reappear in January.Lack of light was reinforced, for Mr Bergman, by the isolation of Swedish life: so few people scattered over a large country, in houses here and there in the forests and the fields where, round some dining table, decorous conversation hid the loneliness and tension that could not be expressed.

The Economist

Among the strengths of Mr Robb's finely crafted book, his third work on Italy, is his showing that there never was a time when it was as orderly and decorous as its grand architecture implies.

The Economist

Just contrast the scathing criticism that Tony Blair has to put up with during an average prime minister's question time in the House of Commons with the normally decorous, somnolent calm of debate in the European Parliament.

The Economist

It is especially jarring when set against the popular image of Britain as a more decorous and civil place than most.

The Economist

In a decorous compromise the report concluded that the yuan was "substantially" undervalued but refrained from quantifying the size of the problem.Big revaluations of the kind required to satisfy the fund or equalise the price of burgers are unlikely.

The Economist

In the case of George Ohr, known as the "Mad Potter of Biloxi", nature has devolved from being a decorous bouquet to a swampy bayou, as if form has melted in the tropical heat.

The Economist

Your blogger headed to Parliament to hear David Cameron explain to MPs his decision to reject proposed changes to the European Union treaties, forcing the countries that share the euro to aim, instead, for a pact among themselves outside the EU's main structures.It was all rather decorous.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Caracci's more-decorous style, closely attuned to the church authorities' desire to control and subdue a large shifting population of actual poor increasingly perceived as a threat to social order would gradually gain the ascendancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decorous" when you want to emphasize adherence to standards of propriety and good taste in behavior or appearance. It is particularly effective in describing formal settings or situations where maintaining a respectful demeanor is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "decorous" in informal or casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "polite" or "respectful" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "decorous" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something characterized by propriety, good taste, and order. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, denoting behavior or settings that adhere to established standards of etiquette.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decorous" is an adjective used to describe something characterized by propriety, good taste, and order. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in formal contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While synonyms like "proper" and "well-behaved" exist, "decorous" specifically highlights adherence to established standards of etiquette. When writing, use "decorous" in formal settings to emphasize respectful behavior, but avoid it in casual situations where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. Its frequent use in authoritative sources makes it a reliable choice for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-behaved

Focuses on conduct, emphasizing adherence to rules and expectations of behavior.

proper

Highlights adherence to established standards of etiquette and social norms.

respectable

Suggests that conduct is worthy of esteem and avoids bringing dishonor.

seemly

Implies that behavior is appropriate for a particular setting or occasion.

civil

Emphasizes politeness and consideration in interactions, especially in public contexts.

refined

Indicates elegance and sophistication in manner and taste.

decent

Highlights what is acceptable according to standards of morality and good taste.

ceremonious

Describes behavior marked by formality and adherence to protocol, often in ritualistic contexts.

conventional

Stresses following accepted customs and practices in conduct and style.

orderly

Stresses the characteristic of being systematic and well organised, also applies to a context of good behaviour.

FAQs

How can I use "decorous" in a sentence?

You can use "decorous" to describe behavior or settings that adhere to standards of propriety and good taste. For example, "The guests maintained a "decorous" silence during the ceremony."

What are some synonyms for "decorous"?

Alternatives to "decorous" include "proper", "seemly", and "well-behaved". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "decorous" formal or informal?

"Decorous" is generally considered a formal term, best suited for describing situations where adherence to etiquette and social norms is emphasized. More informal settings might call for alternatives like "polite" or "respectful".

Which is correct, "decorous behavior" or "decorousness behavior"?

"Decorous behavior" is the correct phrasing. "Decorous" is an adjective modifying the noun "behavior". "Decorousness" is a noun and does not fit in this context.