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

It was during the nationally televised Army–McCarthy hearings of 1954 that Joseph Welch, the lawyer for an accused officer, snapped back at the senator, “Have you no sense of decency, sir?”

From Slate

“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

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

From Slate

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

From Salon

Related Words

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