seemly
2
7.4
- adjective
- /ˈsiːmli/
- Formal
:
decoroso
- "As soon as it is seemly and possible."
- seemly behavior
Examples
-
"Excellent lady, this is not seemly!" he exclaimed.
Fiction book (2001) -
But it would be seemly for her to meet with another Quaker girl.
Fiction book (1994) -
My dear, it would perhaps be more seemly if you were to leave us.
-
Wouldn't be very seemly for a minister to break the law, would it?
-
It is not seemly to be so curious about a young man- and why not?
-
This is not seemly behavior, and I intend to make that point incandescently clear.
Fiction book (2002) -
And if the received education was to be praised, it would be more seemly if the praise came from one of the educated rather than from one of the educators.
Fiction book (1998) -
When you were fourteen, I hoped you would turn your energies to more seemly pursuits, such as Columba has always preferred.
Fiction book (1993) -
I have met with Mrs. Ivory and found her a strong-willed woman of forcible and perhaps ill-founded opinions regarding certain social issues, but her behavior was perfectly seemly, and she is obviously devoted to her daughter, who is well cared for, in good health, and progressing with her education in a most satisfactory manner.
Fiction book (1990) -
It is important for public figures to act in a seemly manner during official events.
Synonyms
3
7.9
Polite and showing good manners in formal situations
1
4.1
Polite and behaving well around other people
1
9.9
Proper and polite in a way accepted by society
1
9.1
Proper and polite in behavior or appearance
Suitable and proper for a situation
Antonyms
How Seemly
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Seemly comes from the old word seem, which once meant 'fit' or 'proper', not only 'appear'. So seemly describes behavior that is 'proper' or 'appropriate', which is why we use it for polite, accepted actions.