Decorum

Appropriate, dignified social behavior suited to a particular setting.

Reach for it when praising conduct that keeps a formal or sensitive occasion orderly and respectful

The chair restored decorum by giving each speaker equal time.

• warm

  dignity

  when self-respect and composure matter more than convention

  not when Dignity belongs to people and conduct broadly, not only behavior appropriate to a setting.

• professional

  civility

  when respectful disagreement and basic courtesy matter

  not when Civility can exist in an informal debate that requires no ceremonial decorum.

• professional

  etiquette

  when specific rules of polite behavior guide the occasion

  not when Etiquette names the rules, while decorum describes the overall dignity of conduct.

• professional

  formality

  when established procedure and restrained style are visible

  not when Formality may be cold or elaborate without producing respectful behavior.

• formal

  propriety

  when conformity with accepted standards is the emphasis

  not when Propriety can sound moralizing and may endorse a convention that deserves challenge.

• formal

  restraint

  when holding back disruptive emotion or action is central

  not when Restraint alone can become silence or passivity rather than appropriate participation.

• indecorum
• impropriety
• rudeness
• disorder

• maintain decorum

  The moderator maintained decorum without silencing firm disagreement.

• courtroom decorum

  The judge explained the rules of courtroom decorum before testimony began.

• sense of decorum

  Her sense of decorum helped the memorial remain both warm and dignified.

• breach of decorum

  The interruption was a breach of decorum, not a reason to end the hearing.