decorous
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “decorous” mean?
adjective.in keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing social etiquette, cultural norms, or character behavior. It emphasizes a sense of propriety and good manners, distinguishing itself from similar words like "polite" by suggesting a deeper adherence to societal expectations and a refined demeanor rather than just basic courteousness.
Common Confusions
Decorous implies a refined adherence to social norms and propriety, while polite usually suggests basic courteousness without the deeper connotation of good taste and restraint.
Example Sentences
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She gave a decorous and carefully measured response.
Word Parts: How to Remember “decorous”
Break “decorous” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
de-down, away, un- (Latin)