Decorably

/ˈdɛkərəbli/ adverb

Definition

In a manner suitable for decoration or capable of being adorned; in a way that can be decorated.

Etymology

From decorable (able to be decorated) + -ly adverbial suffix. Decorable comes from Latin decorare (to adorn, honor) + -able (capable of being). The term emerged in English during the 18th century to express the quality of being amenable to decorative treatment.

Kelly Says

This word shows how English speakers create adverbs to describe abstract possibilities—we don't just say something 'can be decorated,' we make an adverb suggesting that decoration is inherent to its nature. It's rare precisely because we usually just describe things as decorative rather than saying something happens 'decorably.'

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