decency

[ dee-suhn-see ]

noun

, plural de·cen·cies.

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

“I wanted to convey the message that this was not Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, that this is about human rights and human decency,” he said in an interview with The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

A majority no longer have a standard of decency for a presidential candidate — or if they do, it’s lower than a rattlesnake.

From Los Angeles Times

The forces of basic decency are truly a David facing a Goliath.

From Salon

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

Many clearly hate Democrats more than they love traditional American values involving decency.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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