How to pronounce decorous
Say it like DEK-uh-rus. Decorous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK).
- DEK
- uh
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decorous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of decorous
American and British speakers say decorous in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛkərəs/ in the US and /ˈdɛkərəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEK-uh-rus.
What does decorous mean?
- Marked by behaviour, manners, etc., regarded as proper, tasteful, and in accordance with accepted standards; becoming, seemly.
Where does decorous come from?
* Possibly also influenced by Late Latin decorōsus (“beautiful; elegant”), from decoris + -ōsus (suffix meaning ‘full of’ forming adjectives from nouns).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
- dedecorous
- indecorous
- undecorous
Questions about saying decorous
How do you pronounce decorous?
Say DEK-uh-rus. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛkərəs/. In British English it is /ˈdɛkərəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decorous?
Decorous has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK). Broken into parts: DEK · uh · rus.
Do Americans and Brits say decorous the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛkərəs/ and the British form is /ˈdɛkərəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.