Word
decorum
Phoneticsdeco·rum
US/dɪˈkɔɹəm/
UK/dɪkˈɔːɹəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the way people behave in a polite or formal way. It is about showing respect and following social rules in a public setting.
n. the state of being polite, respectful, and appropriate in social or professional settings. Often refers to the maintenance of order and the suppression of inappropriate behavior.
Examples
“He lost his temper and broke the decorum of the meeting.”
“The formal dinner was ruined when the guest spoke loudly and without decorum during the opening toast.”
“Maintaining decorum in the courtroom is essential to ensure that the proceedings remain focused on the evidence rather than the personal conduct of the participants.”
Examples
simple
“He lost his temper and broke the decorum of the meeting.”
contextual
“The formal dinner was ruined when the guest spoke loudly and without decorum during the opening toast.”
complex
“Maintaining decorum in the courtroom is essential to ensure that the proceedings remain focused on the evidence rather than the personal conduct of the participants.”
Real-World Examples
“The key characteristics of this new style – domestic details, departure from traditional poetic decorum – are shared by several poets, including W D Snodgrass and Sylvia Plath.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin decōrum, neuter form of decōrus (“proper, decent”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/decorum