In keeping with good taste and propriety; appropriate and dignified in manner or conduct.
From Latin 'decorosus,' meaning 'fitting, seemly,' from 'decor' (beauty, grace). Related to 'decorate,' the word originally emphasized the beauty that comes from appropriateness and proper behavior.
Think 'DECOR-ous'—just like good decor makes a room look proper and tasteful, decorous behavior makes a person appear proper and dignified. It's about having good 'social decoration'!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.