decent-sized
Meaning
Of a fairly large or considerable size.
Structure
Usage
They live in a decent-sized house in the suburbs.
The company secured a decent-sized investment to launch the new product.
He managed to catch a decent-sized fish on his first attempt.
Etymology
The compound adjective "decent-sized" is a relatively modern formation, emerging from the combination of the established English words "decent" and "sized." The core logic lies in using "decent," which evolved from the Latin concept of what is fitting or proper (decere), as a moderating intensifier. It does not mean "morally good" here but rather "appropriately" or "respectably" large, implying a size that is adequately substantial without being excessive. The second element, "sized," derives from legal and regulatory terms for fixed measurements, completing the meaning to denote something that possesses a considerable, acceptable magnitude.
Analysis
- decent: From Latin decens, present participle of decere (to be fitting), from PIE root dek- (to take, accept). In this compound, it functions as an intensifier meaning "properly" or "fairly". - sized: From Middle English sise (assize, regulation size), from Old French assise, ultimately from Latin assidere (to sit beside, assist in judgment). The suffix -ed indicates possessing the specified size or quality. Here, it functions as the head, denoting the possession of size.