common decency

[kom-uhn dee-suhn-see]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of common decency¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

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

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

All too often, smart business tactics produce cowardly leaders who take liberal democracy and common decency for granted.

From Slate