First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
seemly
adjective seem·ly \ˈsēm-lē\
: proper or appropriate for the situation
seem·li·erseem·li·est
Full Definition of SEEMLY
1
a : good-looking, handsome b : agreeably fashioned : attractive
2
: conventionally proper : decorous <not seemly to brag about oneself>
See seemly defined for English-language learners
See seemly defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SEEMLY
Middle English semely, from Old Norse sœmiligr, from sœmr fitting
Related to SEEMLY
- Synonyms
- befitting, correct, decent, decorous, de rigueur, genteel, nice, polite, respectable, proper
- Antonyms
- improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly
Learn More About SEEMLY
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up seemly? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).