Words / B1

DEESNT/ˈdiːsnt/

Decent means good enough, or kind and morally acceptable: a decent wage; decent housing; a decent person. Adequate is more about quantity; respectable is about social approval. Indecent is the opposite for behaviour and images. Do not use decent for “very good” in a formal essay — that is good or high-quality. Work: a decent break; decent notice.

Meaning

Of an acceptable standard; also kind or morally good.

Examples

• “Workers asked for a decent wage and safe hours.”
• “The room was decent, not luxurious, which is the “good enough” sense.”

Good to know

a decent wage / home / chance. Close (enough): adequate. Opposite (behaviour): indecent. Not “excellent”. Work/housing news.

Near in meaning

adequate

New