decorum
dih-KOR-umnounMeaning polite, dignified behavior that suits the occasion
Memory hook DECOR-um: manners to match the fancy DECOR. In the grand palace hall, guests bow, speak softly and wait their turn, matching the elegant decor. They show perfect decorum.
The guests at the royal dinner behaved with perfect decorum.
In context The debate began with decorum, each speaker waiting politely for a turn, but by the end the two sides were shouting over each other.
Similar dignity, good manners, etiquette, politeness
Opposite rudeness, impropriety, unruliness
From Latin decorum, “that which is fitting,” from decor (beauty, grace), the same source as decorate.