What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seemly
Example
It would be seemly to dress formally for the wedding. [seemly: adjective]
Example
She conducted herself in a seemly manner during the meeting. [seemly: adverb]
decent
Example
He was a decent man who always tried to do the right thing. [decent: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a decent tone of voice during the argument. [decent: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decent is more commonly used than seemly in everyday language. Decent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while seemly is less common and has a more formal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seemly and decent?
Seemly is typically associated with a more formal and old-fashioned tone, while decent is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.