seemly

adjective

seem·​ly ˈsēm-lē How to pronounce seemly (audio)
seemlier; seemliest
1
b
: agreeably fashioned : attractive
2
: conventionally proper : decorous
not seemly to brag about oneself
3
: suited to the occasion, purpose, or person : fit
seemliness noun
seemly adverb

Examples of seemly in a Sentence

it would not be seemly to use the memorial service as a forum for your political views a young man of seemly appearance, robust health, and keen intelligence

Word History

Etymology

Middle English semely, from Old Norse sœmiligr, from sœmr fitting

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of seemly was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near seemly

seemlihead

seemly

seen

Cite this Entry

“Seemly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seemly. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

seemly

adjective
seem·​ly ˈsēm-lē How to pronounce seemly (audio)
seemlier; seemliest
1
2
: being in good taste : proper
seemly behavior
3
: suitable for the occasion, purpose, or person : fit
a seemly reply
seemliness noun
seemly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on seemly

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