indecorous
UK[ɪnˈdɛkərəs]US[ɪnˈdɛkərəs]
adj
not polite or socially acceptable; improper
adj
lacking good taste; unseemly
Morpheme Breakdown
in
decorous
in
not
decorous
proper
Etymology
the word indecorous is a direct borrowing from latin indecorus, which was formed by combining the negative prefix in- with the adjective decorus, meaning "proper, fitting, or graceful". Decorus itself derives from the noun decus, meaning "ornament, honor, glory", which is related to the verb decēre, "to be fitting". the core semantic journey is from the ancient concept of physical ornamentation and honor to the abstract sense of social propriety. thus, indecorous literally means "not fitting or proper", a meaning that has remained consistent from its latin origins into modern english usage, specifically describing behavior that violates accepted standards of good taste or manners.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + decorous (proper)
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without", serving as a negator.
- decorous: from latin decorus meaning "proper, becoming, graceful". in this word, it functions as the base adjective.
Examples
his loud and boisterous laughter during the solemn ceremony was considered highly indecorous.
the journalist was criticized for her indecorous line of questioning at the press conference.
wearing jeans to such a formal event would be seen as indecorous.