decorum

/dɪˈkɔːrəm/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈkɔːrəm/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈkȯr-əm/ (ame, mw)

decorum — noun

1. behaviour that follows accepted social rules for politeness and good taste, espe

1.名詞B2
釋義

behaviour that follows accepted social rules for politeness and good taste, especially the calm and controlled way someone acts in a formal situation

例句

The ambassador showed great decorum at the formal dinner, even when the discussion turned tense.

collocation: show decorum / show great decorum

Students are expected to show decorum during the graduation ceremony.

同義詞
  • propriety

    more formal; focuses on what is morally or socially correct, often with a sense of strictness

  • politeness

    broader and less formal; describes basic good manners without implying calm self-control

  • dignity

    emphasises personal seriousness and self-respect rather than situational appropriateness

反義詞
  • indecorum

    the direct opposite — behaviour that violates social standards

  • rudeness

    broader and more common; describes disrespectful or impolite treatment of others

文法句型

show decorum

behave with decorum

maintain decorum

用法筆記

Decorum is almost always used in formal or written contexts — it sounds out of place in casual conversation. The word is uncountable; there is no plural form *decorums*.

常見錯誤

❌The children showed great decorums at the ceremony.
✅The children showed great decorum at the ceremony.
💡decorum is an uncountable noun and has no plural form.
❌He has good decorum because he tells funny jokes.
✅He has good decorum because he stays calm and polite in formal settings.
💡decorum is about controlled, appropriate conduct, not about being generally likeable or entertaining.