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Today it means

decor

the furnishing and decoration of a room

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Where does the word "decor" come from? It comes from Latin decorum, passing through French before entering English (1890s).

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Where does the word "decor" come from? It comes from Latin decorum, passing through French before entering English (1890s).

Decor’s story begins in Latin: decorum meant “what is fitting.” From 'decere', to be fitting. By 1800s, the word had taken hold in French as décor. Stage scenery, then interior design. It reached English by 1890s as decor. 'home decor' dates from the 1900s. Today, decor means the furnishing and decoration of a room.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient decorum "what is fitting", from 'decere', to be fitting.
  2. Stage 2 · French · 1800s décor "decoration", stage scenery, then interior design.
  3. Stage 3 · English · 1890s decor "stage scenery", 'home decor' dates from the 1900s.

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