Decency
ˈdiːsənsi
Definitions
2 meaningsBehavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality, good taste, and propriety.
ˈdiːsənsi
Conformity to accepted standards of behavior.
He showed great decency in his treatment of the refugees.
💡 Simply: Decency means being nice, polite, and doing the right thing, like holding the door open for someone or sharing your toys. It's about showing respect and kindness.
👶 For kids: Being good and kind to others.
More Examples
The play's lack of decency offended many viewers.
The rules of the club required a certain level of decency.
How It's Used
"The community valued decency and good manners."
"The law aims to protect public decency."
The state or quality of conforming to standards of good taste, propriety, or morality.
ˈdiːsənsi
The state or quality of being decent.
The decency of the act brought tears to her eyes.
💡 Simply: Decency is about being a good person, behaving in a way that's considered right and fair. It's like being a superhero of kindness and good behavior.
👶 For kids: Being a good person.
More Examples
They were surprised by the level of decency shown by their rivals.
The community expects a high level of decency from its leaders.
How It's Used
"The company prided itself on its decency and fair treatment of its employees."
Idioms & expressions
common decency
Basic standards of respectful and appropriate behavior.
"It's a matter of common decency to treat others with respect."
From Middle English *decent*, from Old French *decence*, from Latin *decentia* ('fitness, propriety'), from *decēns*, present participle of *decēre* ('to be fitting, proper').
Used since the 14th century, initially encompassing a broader range of meanings related to appropriateness and good taste.
Memory tip
Think of a person being *decent* (respectful, kind) towards others.
Word Origin
"fitting, proper"