common decency

American  

[kom-uhn dee-suhn-see] / ˈkɒm ən ˈdi sən si /

noun

1. moral or ethical behavior that is guided by fairness, empathy, propriety, justice, etc..

   What ever happened to restraint, respect, and common decency?

   Let's show some common decency and humanity and make the law nondiscriminatory.

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Etymology

Origin of common decency

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Actress Williams talked about her turn in the West End play The Devil Wears Prada, while comedian Allen discussed his new book, Common Decency.

From BBC

Most Americans understand this instinctively and reject government actions that violate their sense of what law and common decency permit.

From The Wall Street Journal

Common decency and consideration have flown out the window in favor of non-stop branding and thoughtless cruelty, performed with ease.

From Salon

Common decency and consideration have flown out the window in favor of non-stop branding and thoughtless cruelty, performed with ease.

From Salon

“What happened to common decency about security and a personal life that we now have to dive into your details of where you live and what you’re doing and who you’re with and who your wife is and if you even have a wife,” Rodgers said.

From Los Angeles Times