noun
decency
DEE-sun-see/ˈdiːsnsi/
Behavior that meets basic standards of respect and morality.
She shows decency by returning the lost wallet with its money inside.
Etymology
The quality of being “fitting” originally concerned suitability or appropriateness. Applied to society’s standards of conduct, this became the idea of behaving properly, including modestly and respectfully.
In context
a stranger from the remotest part is equally treated with the nearest neighbor and wherever he goes looks upon himself as at home they preserve decency and civility in the highest degrees
More examples
- He had the decency to admit his mistake.
- The conduct fell below ordinary standards of decency.
- Their quiet decency impressed the visitors.
Forms
decency · decencies
decent adjective — meeting basic standards of respect or quality