decency

de·cen·cy

noun \ˈdē-s^ən-sē\

plural de·cen·cies

Definition of DECENCY

1

archaic

a : fitness

b : orderliness

2

a : the quality or state of being decent : propriety

b : conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality

3

: standard of propriety —usually used in plural

4

plural : conditions or services considered essential for a proper standard of living

5

: literary decorum

Examples of DECENCY

1. Decency, not fear of punishment, caused them to do the right thing.
2. Sending aid to the victims was simply a matter of common decency.
3. If you're going to be late, please have the decency to call and let me know.
4. Have you no sense of decency?
5. He had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies.

First Known Use of DECENCY

1567

Related to DECENCY

Synonyms

decorum, form, propriety

Antonyms

impropriety, indecency, indecorum

Related Words

etiquette; civility, courteousness, courtesy, gentilesse, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness, politesse; dignity, grace, refinement; discretion, prudence; appropriateness, correctitude, correctness, decorousness, fitness, rightness, seemliness; attention, attentiveness, care, carefulness; character, goodness, high-mindedness, honesty, honor, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, straightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness

Near Antonyms

coarseness, crudeness, gracelessness; discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, vulgarity; imprudence, indiscretion; badness, evil, immorality, wickedness; debauchery, degeneracy, degradation, depravity, perversion; crookedness, dishonesty, underhandedness, unscrupulousness