decency

American  

[dee-suhn-see] / ˈdi sən si /

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.

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decency British  

/ ˈdiːsənsɪ /

noun

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

2. the quality of being decent

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Etymology

Origin of decency

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

Example Sentences

He did this not only for practical reasons—a humiliated foe is a dangerous foe—but out of decency.

From The Wall Street Journal

That’s called simple human decency, and it’s something no amount of executive orders can teach.

From Salon

I have seen too much decency and moral courage, to believe that.

From Salon

Eichmann distanced himself not only from ordinary decency but empirical reality, “that is, against the claim on our thinking attention that all events and facts make by virtue of their existence.”

From Salon

He didn’t have to make the gesture; but it’s a measure of his decency that he doffed his hat to her.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• civility
• correctness
• courtesy
• decorum
• dignity
• good manners
• honesty
• modesty
• propriety
• righteousness
• virtue