Indecent
/ɪnˈdiːsənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsOffending against generally accepted standards of behavior, especially of a sexual nature.
/ɪnˈdiːsənt/
Not conforming to accepted standards of morality or good taste.
The magazine contained indecent images.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and someone starts telling jokes that make everyone uncomfortable. That would be indecent behavior – it's like they're doing or saying something that's against the rules of being polite and respectful.
👶 For kids: When something is indecent, it's like it's not nice or polite. Like if someone takes off their clothes in public, that's indecent!
More Examples
The court found his actions indecent and sentenced him to jail.
She was accused of indecent behaviour.
How It's Used
"The film was considered indecent and banned from public exhibition."
"He was charged with indecent exposure."
Not suitable or appropriate in the circumstances.
/ɪnˈdiːsənt/
Unsuitable; not appropriate.
The high price was considered indecent.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is offered a job with super low pay, and it requires crazy hours. You might say it's an indecent offer because it's not fair or reasonable given the amount of work.
👶 For kids: If something's indecent, it doesn't fit. Like if you try to wear your raincoat on your feet.
More Examples
The conditions of the workers were indecent.
The treatment of the prisoners was indecent.
How It's Used
"The pay offer was considered indecent given the amount of work required."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
indecent exposure
The act of exposing one's genitals in public, especially in a way that is likely to cause offense.
"He was arrested and charged with indecent exposure."
From Middle French *indécent*, from Latin *indēcens* ('unseemly, unbecoming'), from *in-* ('not') + *dēcens* ('fitting, proper').
The term 'indecent' has been used in legal and moral contexts since the 17th century to describe actions and materials considered offensive or improper.
Memory tip
Think of 'in' meaning 'not' and 'decent' meaning proper. So, indecent is NOT proper.
Word Origin
"not fitting, unbecoming"