decent

/ˈdisnt/

/dɪˈsɛnt/

Other forms: decenter; decentest

The adjective decent means sufficient or acceptable. The local diner you like to frequent may not serve a four-star breakfast, but it probably has decent food.

Though the concept is a little dated, people of "decent society" are socially correct. They don't break the law, behave rudely, use impolite language, or wear inappropriate clothing. Decent can also mean "nice": Holding the door for a woman with a stroller is the decent thing to do. Lastly, decent can also mean "appropriately clothed" (or just "not naked"). If a stranger is knocking on your door, you're probably not going to answer it until you're decent.

Definitions of decent

1. adjective

   socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous
   “from a decent family”

   synonyms: nice

   respectable

   characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
2. adjective

   according with custom or propriety
   “a decent burial”

   synonyms: becoming, comely, comme il faut, decorous, seemly

   proper

   marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
3. adjective

   sufficient for the purpose
   “a decent wage”

   synonyms: adequate, enough

   sufficient

   of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
4. adjective

   decently clothed
   “are you decent?”

   synonyms:

   modest

   not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance
5. adjective

   observing conventional sexual mores in speech or behavior or dress
   synonyms:

   modest

   not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance
6. adjective

   conforming to conventions of sexual behavior
   “"speech in this circle, if not always decent, never became lewd"- George Santayana”

   synonyms:

   clean, unobjectionable

   (of behavior or especially language) free from objectionable elements; fit for all observers

   decorous

   characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct

   proper

   marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

   antonyms:

   indecent

   offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters

   dirty

   (of behavior or especially language) characterized by obscenity or indecency

   crude, earthy, gross, vulgar

   conspicuously and tastelessly indecent

   Hollywood

   flashy and vulgar

   indelicate

   verging on the indecent

   obscene

   designed to incite to indecency or lust

   suggestive

   tending to suggest something improper or indecent

   indecorous, indelicate

   lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct

   improper

   not suitable or right or appropriate
7. adverb

   in the right manner
   “can't you carry me decent?”

   synonyms: decently, in good order, properly, right, the right way