decent
DEE-suhnt
Decent (adj) means Morally proper and respectable; showing honesty and fairness. Example: “He's a decent man who always keeps his word.”
adj
1
Morally proper and respectable; showing honesty and fairness.
"He's a decent man who always keeps his word."
"It was decent of you to own up to the mistake."
"Most people are decent and will help a stranger in trouble."
2
Reasonably good or acceptable in quality or amount.
"They offered her a decent salary for the position."
"We had a decent meal at the airport before our flight."
"The hotel was cheap, but the rooms were clean and decent."
3
Wearing enough clothing to be seen by others.
"Give me a minute to get decent before you come in."
"Are you decent? I need to come in and fetch my bag."
"She threw on a dressing gown to make herself decent before opening the door."
How to use decent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood enough, proper, or morally sound — a flexible word used for people, quality, and being dressed appropriately.
When to use it
"Decent" meaning simply "quite good" (a decent meal, a decent job) is informal and very common in everyday British and American speech.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a decent job
decent pay
decent person
get decent
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more decent
- Superlative
- most decent
Fill the gap
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He's a _____ man who always keeps his word.
Etymology
From Latin decens, "fitting, suitable," from decet, "it is proper."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for decent
See all rhymes for decent →Frequently asked questions
What does “decent” mean?
The word “decent” means morally proper and respectable; showing honesty and fairness. In plain terms, good enough, proper, or morally sound — a flexible word used for people, quality, and being dressed appropriately.
How do you pronounce “decent”?
“Decent” is pronounced DEE-suhnt (/ˈdi.sənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “decent” in a sentence?
Here is “decent” used in a sentence: “He's a decent man who always keeps his word.”
What is the opposite of “decent”?
The opposite of “decent” — its antonyms — are bad, immoral, indecent, underdressed and inadequate.
What part of speech is “decent”?
“Decent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “decent” come from?
The word “decent” comes from Latin. From Latin decens, "fitting, suitable," from decet, "it is proper.".
Is “decent” a common word?
“Decent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “decent” have?
“Decent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: morally proper and respectable; showing honesty and fairness.
What is the difference between decent and good?
'Good' is a broad term for high quality or strong worth. 'Decent' is more modest — it means acceptable, respectable, or satisfactory rather than outstanding. In its moral sense, decent describes honest, fair, and proper behaviour. So something good may excel, while something decent simply meets a reasonable standard without falling short.
What does it mean to call someone a decent person?
Calling someone decent means they are morally proper and respectable — honest, fair, and considerate towards others. A decent person behaves with integrity and treats people well, even when no one is watching. It is quiet praise, valuing good character and fairness over flashiness or brilliance.
Is decent a positive word?
Yes, though it is moderate praise. In its moral sense, calling someone decent is genuinely positive — it means honest, fair, and respectable. Describing quality, 'decent' means good enough or satisfactory rather than excellent. So it is favourable, but it signals a solid standard rather than the very best.
What is the opposite of decent?
In the moral sense, opposites include dishonest, unfair, disreputable, or immoral — someone lacking integrity. Describing quality, the opposite is poor, inadequate, or substandard. Where decent means proper and respectable or simply good enough, its opposites point to conduct or standards that fall clearly below what is acceptable.
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