decency

decency (ˈdiːs^ənsɪ)

—n , pl -cies
1.	conformity to the prevailing standards of propriety, morality, modesty, etc
2.	the quality of being decent

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Word Origin & History

decency

1560s, "appropriateness," from L. decentia, from decentem "becoming, fitting" (see decent). Meaning "modesty" (i.e. "appropriateness to standards of society" is from 1630s.

Example sentences

Loss of civility and a sense of decorum and decency goes a long way toward

explaining road rage writ large on the landscape.

Ordinary decency requires that they be treated patiently and with empathy.

But common decency suggests that the rich world should do whatever it can to

help.

Yet this was a rare event in a society where individual decency ran against the

grain of the settlers' culture.

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Related Words

outrage belt modesty

propriety shock wind

Matching Quote

"The more one knows of our life the more one must denounce it, lest it be suspected that one has a personal motive in defending it. When other women speak of us you must assume an attitude of scorn, not only to protect yourself from suspicion, but that you may also feel it for yourself and have no temptation to return. When you think of us do not remember any small kindness that we may have shown you or that we show to one another. Remember only the things that have shocked you and outraged your traditions and your sense of decency. Remember your sufferings at the hands of beasts who are miscalled men. If you keep these things in view you will never again fall into temptation."

-Madeleine

decency

de·cen·cy