deportment
UK[dɪˈpɔːtmənt]US[dɪˈpɔːrtmənt]
n
the way a person stands and walks, particularly as an element of good manners and social grace.
n
(archaic) conduct; behavior.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
port
ment
de
away
port
carry
ment
noun suffix
Etymology
the word deportment originates from the french déportement, which itself derives from the latin verb deportare, meaning "to carry away." the latin term is a compound of the prefix de- ("away") and the verb portare ("to carry"). its original sense was literal, pertaining to transportation or banishment. over time, particularly in french and later english, the meaning shifted metaphorically to refer to how one "carries" or comports oneself, focusing on physical bearing and conduct. the suffix -ment solidifies this abstract concept into a noun denoting the manner or state of one's behavior.
Analysis
Structure: de (away) + port (carry) + ment (noun suffix)
de: a latin prefix meaning "away, off, down, completely." in this word, it implies a sense of "carrying away" or "bearing oneself."
port: from latin portare, meaning "to carry." it is a direct substring of the modern spelling.
ment: a noun-forming suffix of latin origin (-mentum), indicating the resulting state or action.
Examples
her elegant deportment was noted by everyone at the royal ball.
the finishing school emphasized lessons in proper speech and deportment.
in his letter, he praised the deportment of the soldiers under his command.