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

It’s pathetic, dangerous, and shows a total lack of respect for boundaries, safety, and basic human decency.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"She was determined that all victims should be treated with compassion, decency and respect - and she consistently led by example," her office said.

Read more on BBC

He briefly tried to hide in pathology, where the people had the decency to be dead, but that didn’t work.

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He “occupies a powerful public office that requires decency and discipline,” Gibson said of Dow.

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"A lack of experience and probably a lack of human decency has led them to behave in this manner," he said.

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Related Words

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