noun
Uncommon
decency
DEE-suhn-see
Decency (noun) means the quality of behaving in a way that is morally proper, polite, or respectable. Example: “He had the decency to apologize after realizing his mistake.”
noun
1
The quality of behaving in a way that is morally proper, polite, or respectable.
"He had the decency to apologize after realizing his mistake."
"Basic human decency requires that we treat others with respect."
How to use decency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood, proper, respectful behavior — doing the right thing.
Common pairings
common decency
the decency to do something
basic decency
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Word forms
- Plural
- decencies
Fill the gap
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He had the _____ to apologize after realizing his mistake.
Etymology
From Latin decentia, related to decens, "fitting, proper" — the same root as "decent."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for decency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
leniency
frequency
emergency
residency
See all rhymes for decency →
Frequently asked questions
What does “decency” mean?
The word “decency” means the quality of behaving in a way that is morally proper, polite, or respectable. In plain terms, good, proper, respectful behavior — doing the right thing.
How do you pronounce “decency”?
“Decency” is pronounced DEE-suhn-see (/ˈdiːsənsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “decency” in a sentence?
Here is “decency” used in a sentence: “He had the decency to apologize after realizing his mistake.”
What part of speech is “decency”?
“Decency” is a noun.
Where does the word “decency” come from?
The word “decency” comes from Latin. From Latin decentia, related to decens, "fitting, proper" — the same root as "decent.".
Is “decency” a common word?
“Decency” is an uncommon word in modern English.
