decorously
1
7.0
- adverb
- /dɪˈkɔːrəsli/
- Formal
:
decorosamente
- Good or bad?" Audrey Coopersmith decorously raised her hand.
Examples
-
When their parents came to retrieve them, they were dressed again, eating cake and ice cream decorously on the patio.
Fiction book (2000) -
And then he'll turn his back and set up the necessary equipment decorously and slowly, as if he were already making a strained condolence call.
Fiction book (1995) -
Because women of means were expected to live decorously, without a meaningful occupation, she could continue to write only as long as her books were hidden behind anonymous names.
Fiction book (1993) -
And the ball of fire would burn between them until the music stopped, the lights came up, and Corinne walked decorously back to her box, her escort's hand lightly touching her elbow.
Fiction book (1995) -
When the food arrived, he picked up his knife and fork and very decorously cut his whole meal into large but manageably bite-sized chunks, then sat back.
Fiction book (1995) -
The game proceeds decorously, according to rule and custom, until Rick Hogan knocks his ball through the first two wickets and hits Pete's ball.
Fiction book (2002) -
Then he walked across the terrace and decorously sat down on one of the low chairs that Orrin Hubbell, the original Hurt Hollow homesteader, had built so long ago.
Fiction book (1998) -
Seated by her infant son's cradle, she labors decorously at a piece of needlework, her partially bared maternal breast testifying to her role as nurturer of citizens.
Academic text (2011) -
The guests behaved decorously during the formal dinner, adhering to all the etiquette guidelines.
-
She always dressed decorously for public events, ensuring her outfits were appropriate and elegant.
Synonyms
108
1.0
In a way that shows respect for other people
101
2.3
In a polite way to someone
25
4.2
In a way that shows honesty and fairness
12
4.2
In a polite and respectful way
9
3.9
In a way that is right for the situation
4
2.8
In a polite and respectful way
2
3.3
In a proper and decent way that makes people think well of you
1
5.5
In a calm, slow, and dignified way
1
7.2
In a polite and elegant way
Antonyms
How Proper
Surface Forms
Morphology
decorously = decorous (semi-transparent) = decor + ous + ly
The step from the adjective 'decorous' to the adverb by adding -ly is a regular and obvious derivation for learners.
Etymology
Decorously comes from an old Latin word decor that meant 'beauty' or 'fitting', and you can see the same idea in English words like decorate and decor. So to act decorously is to behave in a proper, dignified way that is fitting for the situation.