ENGLISH
REFERENCE

decorum

n.
C1 Advanced US //dɪˈkɔɹəm// UK //dɪkˈɔːɹəm// deco·rum

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Learned borrowing from Latin decōrum, neuter form of decōrus (“proper, decent”).

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