decency

[dee-suhn-see]

noun

plural

decencies 

1. the state or quality of being decent.

2. conformity to the recognized standard of propriety, good taste, modesty, etc.

   Synonyms: gentility, respectability, decorum

3. decencies,

   1. the recognized standards of decent or proper behavior; proprieties.

      The least you can expect from them is some respect for the decencies.

   2. the requirements or amenities for decent or comfortable living.

      to be able to afford the decencies.

decency

/ ˈdiːsənsɪ /

noun

1. conformity to the prevailing standards of propriety, morality, modesty, etc

2. the quality of being decent

Word History and Origins

Origin of decency¹

1560–70; < Latin decentia comeliness, decency, equivalent to decent- (stem of decēns ) fitting ( decent ) + -ia noun suffix

Example Sentences

“I am just so tired of begging these lawmakers for basic human decency,” Nardone said, noting that she refuses to ever be pregnant again in South Carolina.

From Salon

The combination of billionaire rabble and basement-dwelling rabble is a time-tested method for destroying democracy, as well as rationality and common decency.

From Salon

Such a recognition is an abdication not only of basic human decency, but also of national interest and strategic sanity.

From Los Angeles Times

The FCC regulates radio, TV and satellite airwaves, giving it power over a range of matters, including mergers and decency complaints.

From BBC

Painting a nightmarish vision of what he claimed life would be like under a Farage government, he sought to portray the Lib Dems as the guardians of British values of "tolerance, decency, and respect".

From BBC

Related Words

• civility 
• correctness 
• courtesy 
• decorum 
• dignity 
• good manners www.thesaurus.com
• honesty 
• modesty 
• propriety 
• righteousness 
• virtue