decent

American  

[dee-suhnt] / ˈdi sənt /

adjective

1. conforming to the recognized standard of propriety, good taste, modesty, etc., as in behavior or speech.

   Synonyms:

   decorous, proper, seemly

   Antonyms:

   unseemly

2. respectable; worthy.

   a decent family.

3. adequate; fair; passable.

   a decent wage.

4. kind; obliging; generous.

   It was very decent of him to lend me his watch.

5. suitable; appropriate.

   She did not have a decent coat for the cold winter.

   Synonyms:

   becoming, fit, apt

   Antonyms:

   inappropriate

6. of fairly attractive appearance.

   a decent face.

7. Informal. wearing enough clothing to appear in public.

8. Slang. great; wonderful.

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decent British  

/ ˈdiːsənt /

adjective

1. polite or respectable

   a decent family

2. proper and suitable; fitting

   a decent burial

3. conforming to conventions of sexual behaviour; not indecent

4. free of oaths, blasphemy, etc

   decent language

5. good or adequate

   a decent wage

6. informal kind; generous

   he was pretty decent to me

7. informal sufficiently clothed to be seen by other people

   are you decent?

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Usage

What’s the difference between decent and descent? Decent is an adjective that means adequate or suitable, as in a decent meal, or good or respectable, as in a decent person. Descent is a noun that means the act of moving downward (descending), a downward movement, or downward movement in general. Despite their similar spelling, the two words are pronounced differently. In decent, the emphasis is on the first part of the word, which is pronounced like dee. In descent, the emphasis is on the -scent part of the word, with the first part pronounced like dih. So how can you remember which one gets the s? Dropping the s is the decent thing to do, but you should pick it back up for your descent. Here’s an example of descent and dissent used correctly in a sentence. Example: The climbers decided to make the descent while the weather was still decent.

Other Word Forms

• decently adverb
• decentness noun

Etymology

Origin of decent

First recorded in 1485–95; from Latin decent-, stem of decēns “fitting,” present participle of decēre “to be acceptable, be fitting”; akin to decus “honor” ( see decorous)

Explanation

The adjective decent means sufficient or acceptable. The local diner you like to frequent may not serve a four-star breakfast, but it probably has decent food. Though the concept is a little dated, people of "decent society" are socially correct. They don't break the law, behave rudely, use impolite language, or wear inappropriate clothing. Decent can also mean "nice": Holding the door for a woman with a stroller is the decent thing to do. Lastly, decent can also mean "appropriately clothed" (or just "not naked"). If a stranger is knocking on your door, you're probably not going to answer it until you're decent.

Example Sentences

In many respects, the Powell Fed has done a decent job since.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

In September 2024, for example, two months before the presidential election, the long-running University of Michigan survey of consumer sentiment topped 70—a decent report.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

DeBusschere cited bank earnings last week with positive commentary across the board on consumer spending and decent retail sales data this week.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Most players were said to regard Rosenior as a thoroughly decent person and he was known, according to one source, to be more popular with English members of the squad.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Soviet air defense had improved its weapons, but the American pilot would have to fly near enough to a missile base to give them a decent shot.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• correct
• good
• honest
• honorable
• modest
• noble
• polite
• proper
• prudent
• trustworthy