Definition of decent
1 archaic a : appropriateb : well-formed : handsome
2a : conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality decent behaviorb : modestly clothed
3 : free from immodesty or obscenity decent language
4 : fairly good : adequate, satisfactory decent wages
5 : marked by moral integrity, kindness, and goodwill hard-working and decent folks it's very decent of them to help
decently
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Examples of decent in a Sentence
Not long afterward, his father's health starts to fail. Mrs. Queenan has kicked him out, and he's landed in a flophouse. When word reaches Joe, he takes out his checkbook and moves his father into a decent apartment. —James McManus, New York Times Book Review, 26 Apr. 2009
In a whiney, rambling speech at his sentencing he took a page from the script of the earlier case, once again portraying himself as a flawed but decent man unfairly caught up in circumstances. —Bill Hewitt et al., People, 22 Dec. 2008
Tommy Railles, the doctor's boy. Just a great kid. Smart at school, a decent athlete, great with the girls, wonderful with older people. —Ward Just, Forgetfulness, (2006) 2007
The next time an overly friendly blond sidles up in a crowded bar and asks you to order her a brand-name martini, or a cheery tourist couple wonder whether you can take their picture with their sleek new camera-in-a-cell phone, you might want to think twice. There's a decent chance that these strangers are pitchmen in disguise, paid to oh-so-subtly pique your interest in their product. —Paul McFedries, Word Spy, 2004
I don't understand how so decent a person could be involved with this kind of crime.
He is a decent guy who would help anyone in need.
You need to do the decent thing and tell her what happened.
Are there any decent schools in that area?
I've got to get some decent clothes.
Origin and Etymology of decent
Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin decent-, decens, present participle of decēre to be fitting; akin to Latin decus honor, dignus worthy, Greek dokein to seem, seem good
First Known Use: 1539
Synonym Discussion of decent
DECENT Defined for English Language Learners
decent
playDefinition of decent for English Language Learners
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: polite, moral, and honest
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: showing kindness : seeming to care about the feelings or problems of other people
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: good enough but not the best : adequate or acceptable
DECENT Defined for Kids
decent
playDefinition of decent for Students
1 : meeting an accepted standard of good manners or morality Do the decent thing and confess.
2 : being moral and good She was raised by decent folks.
3 : not offensive decent language
4 : fairly good decent grades
decently
adverbLearn More about decent
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See words that rhyme with decent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for decent Spanish Central: Translation of decent Nglish: Translation of decent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of decent for Arabic speakers
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