decorous
Showing good taste
Decorous means proper and dignified, conforming to standards of good taste and appropriate behavior.
The word often describes conduct at formal occasions where restraint is expected: a decorous silence during the ceremony, decorous applause.
It can carry a hint of stiffness or excessive propriety: The conversation remained decorous but dull.
Showing respectful consideration
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- civilMinimally polite
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
- well-manneredPolite and respectful
tactful · considerate · polite · deferential · cordial · gentlemanly · ladylike · chivalrous
Suited to circumstance
- suitableProper for purpose
- fittingSuitable or proper
- seemlyConforming to propriety
- correctFree from error
befitting · proper · decent · respectable · acceptable · apt · right · comely
Gracefully refined, tasteful
- cultivatedImproved through nurture
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- gracefulElegant in movement
tasteful · urbane · genteel · suave · discerning · cosmopolitan · classy · exquisite
Following long-held customs
- customaryDone by convention
- formalFollowing strict protocol
- orthodoxConforming to established belief
- ceremonialRelating to formal rites
established · conservative · proper · conformist · time-honored · institutional · procedural · prescribed
Lacking in pretension
- subduedReduced in intensity
- reservedRestrained in manner
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
measured · controlled · unobtrusive · sober · demure · temperate · composed · self-possessed
courteous
Showing respectful consideration
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- civilMinimally polite
- graciousPleasantly kind and courteous
well-mannered · tactful · considerate · polite · deferential · cordial · gentlemanly · ladylike · chivalrous · gallant
appropriate
Suited to circumstance
correct · befitting · proper · decent · respectable · acceptable · apt · right · comely · congruous
elegant
Gracefully refined, tasteful
- cultivatedImproved through nurture
- sophisticatedWorldly and cultured
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
graceful · tasteful · urbane · genteel · suave · discerning · cosmopolitan · classy · exquisite · stylish
traditional
Following long-held customs
ceremonial · established · conservative · proper · conformist · time-honored · institutional · procedural · prescribed · normative
modest
Lacking in pretension
- subduedReduced in intensity
- reservedRestrained in manner
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
discreet · measured · controlled · unobtrusive · sober · demure · temperate · composed · self-possessed · circumspect
noble
Titled or virtuous
honorable · courtly · grand · imposing · solemn · majestic · regal · distinguished · lordly · gravitas
- mannersetiquette, manners, polite, rude, politeness
- refinedrefined, polite, proper, gracious, elegant
- humilityhumbleness, humble, meekness, modesty, modest
- cultivatedrefined, polished, sophisticated, elegant, cultured
- restrainedrestrained, reserved, subdued, controlled, muted
- uprightupright, erect, vertical, perpendicular, standing
decorousindecorous
Violating standards of propriety
unseemly · improper · inappropriate · indecent · unbecoming