indecent
Meaning
offending against generally accepted standards of propriety or morality, especially in relation to sexual matters.
not appropriate or fitting; improper.
Structure
Usage
he was arrested for indecent exposure.
there was an indecent delay in processing the complaint.
she felt it was indecent to discuss such private matters in public.
Etymology
the word "indecent" is formed by the straightforward combination of the negative latin prefix "in-" and the adjective "decent". "decent" itself originates from the latin verb decere, meaning "to be fitting", which is related to decor (ornament, grace) and traces back to the proto-indo-european root dek-, meaning "to take, accept". the semantic journey is clear: from the ancient concept of acceptability and propriety (dek-), to the latin notion of what is fitting (decere), to the modern english "decent" meaning conforming to standards. by adding the negative prefix, "indecent" logically denotes that which does not conform to these accepted standards of propriety or appropriateness.
Analysis
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not", "opposite of". it functions as a negative particle. - decent: from latin decens, present participle of decere "to be fitting or suitable". it functions as the core adjective meaning "proper, acceptable".