decent

The definition of decent is someone or something that is respectable, modest, proper, or fair and kind.

(adjective)

  1. An example of decent is using appropriate language in a formal setting.
  2. An example of decent is woman wearing a top that doesn't show cleavage to a job interview.
  3. An example of decent is someone letting a pregnant woman cut in line for a restroom.

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See decent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. proper and fitting: a decent burial
  2. not immodest; not obscene; chaste: decent language
  3. conforming to approved social standards; respectable: decent apparel
  4. reasonably good; adequate: decent wages
  5. fair and kind: decent treatment
  6. Informal adequately clothed for propriety

Origin: MFr décent < L decens (gen decentis), prp. of decere, to befit < IE base *de-, to receive, greet, be suitable, teach > Sans dkšati, (he) is helpful, L docere, to teach, Gr dokein, to think, seem

Related Forms:

See decent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Characterized by conformity to recognized standards of propriety or morality.
  2. Free from indelicacy; modest.
  3. Meeting accepted standards; adequate: a decent salary.
  4. a. Morally upright; respectable.
    b. Kind or obliging: very decent of them to lend you money.
  5. Informal Properly or modestly dressed.

Origin:

Origin: Latin decēns, decent-

Origin: , present participle of decēre, to be fitting; see dek- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • deˈcent·ly adverb
  • deˈcent·ness noun

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