D e c e n t Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɪˈsɛnt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Morally upright, virtuous, and respectable, having a strong sense of justice, compassion, and integrity.

Examples

• She was a decent person who always helped those in need.
• He was a decent listener, always willing to lend an ear.

Synonyms

• Virtuous
• Righteous

Antonyms

• Immoral
• Corrupt

Additional Information

A decent person is someone who is guided by a strong moral compass, always striving to do what is right and just. Decency is a valuable trait in individuals, as it promotes a sense of trust and respect in personal and professional relationships. It involves being honest, empathetic, and responsible, with a commitment to fairness and equality.

In everyday life, decency can manifest in small acts of kindness, such as holding the door for someone or offering a smile to a stranger. It can also be demonstrated through larger actions, like volunteering for a good cause or standing up for a social injustice.

Etymology

The word “decent” originates from the Latin “decens,” meaning “becoming” or ” fitting.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe something that is morally upright or respectable.

Usage Notes

Decent can be used to describe a person’s character, behavior, or actions. It can also be used to describe something that is of good quality or acceptable, such as “a decent meal” or “a decent place to live.”

Cultural References

The concept of decency has been explored in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and television. For example, the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is a powerful exploration of decency in the face of racial injustice.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “A decent cup of coffee” (meaning a good or acceptable cup of coffee)

Related Words or Phrases

• Virtue
• Morality

Collocations

• “a decent person”
• “decent behavior”

Frequency of Use

The word “decent” is commonly used in everyday language, with a frequency of use of approximately 2.5 per million words.

Common Misspellings

• Decent
• Desent
• Deacent