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decent
/ˈdiːsənt/
acceptable or satisfactory
The restaurant served decent food at reasonable prices.
The food was good enough to eat, not great but not bad.
informal
of an acceptable or satisfactory standard; adequate but not outstanding
She got a decent score on the test.
Her performance was good enough to pass.
They live in a decent neighborhood.
The area is safe and pleasant, though not luxurious.
Often used to describe something that meets basic expectations without being exceptional.
formal
conforming with generally accepted standards of respectable or moral behavior
A decent person wouldn’t lie to their friends.
Someone with good morals would not deceive others.
Common in ethical or moral discussions.
informal
dressed in a way that is not revealing or inappropriate
She wore a decent outfit to the office.
Her clothing was appropriate and not revealing.
Often used in social contexts to describe modest attire.
Collocations
decent joba satisfactory performancedecent personsomeone with good moralsdecent meala satisfying but not gourmet meal
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'decent'
While 'decent' is useful, it can sound lukewarm. Use stronger words like 'good', 'excellent', or 'outstanding' when you want to emphasize higher quality.
Gold Rule
Context matters
The meaning of 'decent' shifts slightly depending on context. It can refer to quality, morality, or appropriateness.
Word Origin
From Latin *decens* (becoming, fitting), via Old French *decent* (proper, suitable). First used in English in the 16th century to describe behavior that conforms to moral standards.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, 'decent' often implies a positive but modest quality. It is less strong than 'good' but more positive than 'adequate' or 'average'.
English Dictionary