Decent Meaning
Decent Definition & Usage
Satisfactory in quality or standard, but not necessarily exceptional.
Examples
- "His performance was decent, but I was expecting more."
- "They live in a decent neighborhood, not too fancy but safe and clean."
- "She made a decent amount of money from her new business venture."
- "The restaurant offers decent food at affordable prices."
- "It's a decent idea, but we may need to refine it further."
Morally good, respectable, or socially acceptable.
Examples
- "He’s a decent person who always helps others when they’re in need."
- "She came from a decent family and was taught good values."
- "The boss is decent—he listens to his employees and makes fair decisions."
- "I expect you to behave in a decent manner at the dinner table."
- "They were decent enough to invite me to their wedding, even though we barely knew each other."
Socially appropriate in appearance or dress.
Examples
- "Please wear something decent to the interview—nothing too casual."
- "She looked decent in her new dress, though it wasn’t anything extraordinary."
- "You must look decent for the event, at least wear a button-up shirt."
- "I had to change into something decent after the gym to meet my clients."
- "He’s known for his decent fashion sense—neat and never over the top."
Cultural Context
The word 'decent' originated in Middle English and is derived from the Latin word 'decens,' which means 'fitting' or 'appropriate.' It has evolved in modern English to encompass various meanings, including ethical standards, acceptable quality, and social appropriateness. In Western cultures, decency is often associated with basic moral behavior, respect for others, and the ability to meet social norms.
A Decent Act of Kindness
Story
A Decent Act of Kindness
It was a quiet afternoon in a small town, and the streets were dusted with the remnants of a light autumn rain. Emily had just finished her shift at the local cafe and was heading home when she saw an elderly woman struggling with a heavy grocery bag. Without a second thought, Emily rushed over to offer help. 'Can I help you with that, ma'am?' Emily asked, offering a warm smile. The woman looked up, surprised but grateful. 'That’s very kind of you, dear. It’s a bit heavy for me, but I’m not sure if I should bother anyone.' 'It’s no bother at all,' Emily said, as she gently took the bag from the woman’s hands. 'You’ve done enough, let me help you.' As they walked together, the elderly woman smiled. 'You’re a decent young lady, you know that? So many people just rush by these days.' Emily felt a warm glow spread through her. It wasn’t much—just a simple act of kindness—but it was a decent thing to do, and that’s what mattered most. When they reached the woman's house, she thanked Emily profusely, offering her a cup of tea. Emily declined politely, but left with a feeling that she had done something good, something that felt right. That evening, as Emily reflected on her day, she realized that being decent didn’t require grand gestures. It was about treating others with kindness, respect, and doing what was socially right—simple yet significant. The next day, when Emily met her friends at the cafe, one of them remarked on how she had helped the elderly lady. 'I heard you were decent enough to help Mrs. Harper with her bags yesterday,' her friend said. 'That’s pretty admirable, Emily.' Emily smiled and shrugged. 'It was nothing really. Just doing what’s right.' But to the elderly woman, it was everything. To Emily, it was a reminder that sometimes, being decent is the most meaningful thing you can do for someone else.
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