Decent

/ˈdiː.sənt/ · adjective

Meaning

Appropriate; suitable for the circumstances..

Definitions by Sense

1. Appropriate; suitable for the circumstances.
2. (of a person) Having a suitable conformity to basic moral standards; showing integrity, fairness, or other characteristics associated with moral uprightness.
3. (informal) Sufficiently clothed or dressed to be seen.
4. Fair; acceptable; okay.
5. Significant; substantial.
6. Conforming to perceived standards of good taste.
7. (obsolete) Comely; shapely; well-formed.
8. Misspelling of descent.

Example Sentences

Are you decent? May I come in?

He's a decent saxophonist, but probably not good enough to make a career of it.

A canister of flour from the kitchen had been thrown at the looking-glass and lay like trampled snow over the remains of a decent blue suit with the lining ripped out which lay on top of the ruin of a plastic wardrobe.

And ‘blubbing’ . . . Blubbing went out with ‘decent’ and ‘ripping’. Mind you, not a bad new language to start up. 1920s schoolboy slang could be due for a revival.

I'm all for opening new stations (Transport Scotland is planning another at East Linton, about halfway between Drem and Dunbar), but they are useless without a decent service.

There are a decent number of references out there, if you can find them.

I had a cup of tea - the last decent cup of tea for many days; and in a room that most soothingly looked just as you would expect a lady’s drawing-room to look, we had a long quiet chat by the fireside.

And ſable ſtole of Cipres Lawn, Over thy decent ſhoulders drawn.

Synonyms for decent

Antonyms for decent

Related Words

Word Forms

• more decent
• most decent

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions