different between decorous vs charming

English

Etymology

From Latin dec?rus (“seemly, becoming”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?d?k???s/

Adjective

decorous (comparative more decorous, superlative most decorous)

1. Marked by proper behavior.
   • 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft, chapter V, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, 3rd edition, London: J. Jonson, published 1796, section III, pages 219–220:

     The narrow path of truth and virtue inclines neither to the right nor left—it is a ?traightforward bu?ine?s, and they who are earne?tly pur?uing their road, may bound over many decorous prejudices, without leaving mode?ty behind.

   • 1848, William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, Chapter 61,^[1]

     There came a day when the round of decorous pleasures and solemn gaieties in which Mr. Jos Sedley’s family indulged was interrupted by an event which happens in most houses.

   • 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, chapter 43

     But who can fathom the subtleties of the human heart? Certainly not those who expect from it only decorous sentiments and normal emotions.

   • 1936, Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, Part One, Chapter 1^[2]

     The green eyes in the carefully sweet face were turbulent, willful, lusty with life, distinctly at variance with her decorous demeanor.

Antonyms

• indecorous

Related terms

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English charmyng; equivalent to charm +? -ing.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?t???(?).m??/
• Rhymes: -??(r)m??

Adjective

charming (comparative charminger or more charming, superlative (nonstandard) charmest or charmingest or most charming)

1. Pleasant, charismatic.

   Synonyms: charismatic, smart, witty

   Antonyms: dull, charmless
2. Delightful in a playful way which avoids responsibility or seriousness, as if attracting through a magical charm.

   Antonyms: silly, charmless

Translations

Verb

charming

1. present participle of charm

Noun

charming (plural charmings)

1. The casting of a magical charm.
   • 1616, Thomas Middleton, The Witch

     They denied me often flour, barm and milk, / Goose-grease and tar, when I ne'er hurt their charmings, / Their brewlocks, nor their batches, nor forespoke / Any of their breedings.

Anagrams

• marching