decency
UK[ˈdiːs(ə)nsi]US[ˈdiːsənsi]
n
Behaviour that is good, moral, and acceptable in society
n
A standard of moral behaviour that is considered acceptable by society
Morpheme Breakdown
dec
ency
dec
fitting, proper
ency
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'decency' traces its lineage to the Latin noun decus, which carried the core meanings of "honor, dignity, and what is fitting or becoming." This Latin term itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root \dek-, meaning "to take, accept," which also evolved into concepts of what is acceptable or suitable. The suffix -entia was added to form the Latin decentia, signifying "the state or quality of being fitting or proper." Over time, this literal sense of appropriateness evolved into the modern abstract meaning, referring specifically to the standards of behavior that society deems morally acceptable and respectable.
Analysis
Structure: dec (fitting, proper) + ency (noun suffix)
'dec' originates from Latin dec- (the stem of decus, meaning "honor, ornament, grace, dignity"). 'ency' is a noun-forming suffix from Latin -entia, denoting a state or quality.
Examples
He had the decency to apologize for his mistake.
Basic standards of decency must be maintained in public discourse.
She was raised to believe in honesty, kindness, and common decency.