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Decorum

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means behaviour in keeping with good taste and propriety

Where does the word "decorum" come from? It comes from Latin decōrum, adopted directly into English (1560s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
decōrum
Latin · ancient
"what is fitting"
'that which is fitting', from 'decēre', to be fitting; Horace made it a rule of poetry
2
Stage 2 of 2
decorum
English · 1560s
"propriety"
borrowed through Renaissance literary theory, then applied to manners
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Read the full story

Decorum’s story begins in Latin: decōrum meant “what is fitting.” 'that which is fitting', from 'decēre', to be fitting; Horace made it a rule of poetry. It reached English by 1560s as decorum. Borrowed through Renaissance literary theory, then applied to manners. Today, decorum means behaviour in keeping with good taste and propriety.