noun

decency

DEE-suhn-see

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishGood, proper, respectful behavior — doing the right thing.

Common pairings

common decency the decency to do something basic decency

decencies plural

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Can you complete this real example?

He had the _____ to apologize after realizing his mistake.

From Latin decentia, related to decens, "fitting, proper" — the same root as "decent."

agency urgency potency regency currency tendency clemency leniency frequency emergency residency indecency