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

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 • Feb. 3, 2026

I try to treat people with common decency and respect, and I’m gonna to keep doing that moving forward even though I fell short this week.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

“On its own, social isolation can foster a sense of alienation from humanity — from the common decency, social norms and kindness — that create safety in society,” Manly said.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2024

"It's no longer based on data nor common sense, nor even common decency."

From BBC • May 26, 2023

I could see her hesitate, her caution and repugnance struggling against instincts of common decency.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin