decency
Translation
propriety, decorum, respectability, modesty
Examples
He had the decency to apologise.
He had the decency to apologize.
She was shocked by the lack of decency.
She was shocked by the lack of decency.
Grammar Patterns
((the decency)) to do sth. to show the proper respect or politeness to do something He had the decency to apologize.
((a lack of)) decency a state of not being polite or morally acceptable She was shocked by the lack of decency.
Similar Words
Synonyms: propriety, decorum, respectability; Antonyms: indecency, impropriety
Etymology
From Latin 'decere' (to be fitting), via 'decens' (fitting, proper). The '-cy' suffix forms an abstract noun.
Memory Tips
Think of it as the quality a 'decent' person has. If someone is decent, they show decency.