Word: decorous (adjective)

Associations

"Decorous" means behaving in a polite, proper, and socially acceptable way. It is often used to describe manners, behavior, or speech that follows good taste and respect for rules or traditions.

• At a formal dinner, guests are expected to be decorous, speaking quietly and using proper table manners.
• The teacher praised the student for her decorous behavior during the school assembly.
• In a decorous conversation, people avoid rude or inappropriate topics.

A well-known synonym is "proper." The difference is that "decorous" often implies not only being proper but also elegant and refined, especially in social situations. "Proper" can be more general and less about style or elegance.

Substitution

You can use words like "polite," "respectful," "proper," or "well-mannered" instead of "decorous," but each changes the tone slightly:

• "Polite" focuses on kindness and good manners.
• "Respectful" emphasizes showing respect to others.
• "Proper" means following rules or standards.
• "Well-mannered" highlights good behavior in social settings.

Deconstruction

• Root: "decor-" comes from the Latin "decorus," meaning "becoming, seemly, proper."
• Suffix: "-ous" means "full of" or "having the qualities of." So, "decorous" literally means "full of proper or fitting qualities."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where being decorous is very important?
• How would you behave decorously at a wedding or a formal event?
• Have you ever seen someone being the opposite of decorous? What happened?