decent

adjective

de·​cent ˈdē-sᵊnt 

1

: marked by moral integrity, kindness, and goodwill

hard-working and decent folks

it's very decent of them to help

2

a

: conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality

decent behavior

b

: modestly clothed

3

: free from immodesty or obscenity

decent language

4

: fairly good : adequate, satisfactory

decent wages

5

archaic

a

: appropriate

b

: well-formed : handsome

decently adverb

Synonyms

• all right
• ethical
• good
• honest
• honorable
• just
• moral
• nice
• right
• right-minded
• righteous
• straight
• true
• upright
• virtuous

Choose the Right Synonym for decent

chaste, pure, modest, decent mean free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious.

chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits

decent people didn't go to such movies

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Barron is a good skater with a decent shot and strong offensive instincts, but his game in his own end has suffered from moments of indecision and a lack of assertiveness in killing plays, leading to extended shifts in the defensive zone. —Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

But this would be a practical and necessary change — to allow a decent time period for transition while also preventing various abuses and inefficiencies. —Guy Ciarrocchi, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

Extra points for a decent sewing kit—very old-school. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024

Movie trailers sound particularly well with the device's decent soundstage. —PCMAG, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 5a

Phrases Containing decent

• halfway decent

Kids Definition

decent

adjective

de·​cent ˈdēs-ᵊnt 

1

a

: agreeing with standards of proper behavior, good taste, or morality

b

: clothed in a proper and suitable manner and style

2

: free from poor taste or bad manners

our conversations were always decent, never obscene

3

: fairly good : adequate

decent housing

decently adverb