Indecent vs. Decent — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 12, 2023
"Indecent" refers to something improper or offensive, while "Decent" denotes respectability or appropriateness.
Difference Between Indecent and Decent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Indecent" and "Decent" are antonyms in English, with "Indecent" suggesting something is improper, vulgar, or morally offensive. In contrast, "Decent" conveys a sense of propriety, respectability, and moral uprightness.
When discussing attire, "Indecent" clothing might be deemed too revealing or inappropriate for a given setting, whereas "Decent" clothing would be considered suitable and modest.
"Indecent" can also refer to behaviors or actions that deviate from societal norms or are deemed unacceptable. "Decent", on the other hand, can describe actions that align with expected standards of behavior. It's essential to recognize the contrasting nature of these terms to employ them appropriately in language.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adjective
Meaning
Improper, vulgar, or offensive
Respectable, appropriate, morally upright
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Usage
Describes something deemed inappropriate
Describes something deemed appropriate
Example Sentence
The comedian's indecent jokes offended many.
He is a decent man with strong principles.
Antonym
Decent
Indecent
Compare with Definitions
Indecent
Offensive to moral values.
Telling such jokes in public is indecent.
Decent
Conforming to accepted standards of morality.
He's known for his decent behavior.
Indecent
Lacking propriety or good taste.
The film had several indecent scenes.
Decent
Characterized by propriety and dignity.
She is a decent and honest individual.
Indecent
Immodest or overly revealing.
Her attire was considered indecent for the formal event.
Decent
Adequate or acceptable.
The hotel was decent for its price.
Indecent
Not conforming to accepted standards.
Indecent behavior will not be tolerated.
Decent
Conforming with generally accepted standards of respectable or moral behaviour
A decent clean-living individual
Indecent
Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty; lewd or vulgar
Found the movie to be indecent.
Decent
Of an acceptable standard; satisfactory
People need decent homes
Indecent
Not appropriate or becoming; unseemly
Bought up distressed properties with indecent enthusiasm.
Decent
Characterized by conformity to recognized standards of propriety or morality
A respected citizen who led a decent life.
Children brought up in decent homes.
Indecent
To good taste.
Decent
Morally upright; moral or respectable
"the corruption that allows the unscrupulous to grow rich while decent people labor to earn an honest wage" (Amitav Ghosh).
Indecent
Not in keeping with conventional moral values; improper, immodest, or unseemly.
Decent
Kind or obliging
Very decent of them to lend you money.
Indecent
(criminal law) Generally unacceptable for public broadcasting but not legally obscene.
Decent
Showing thoughtfulness or consideration
Let a decent interval go by before calling.
Indecent
Not decent; unfit to be seen or heard; offensive to modesty and delicacy; as, indecent language.
Decent
Free from indelicacy or obscenity; clean
Decent television programming for children.
Indecent
Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society;
Was buried with indecent haste
Indecorous behavior
Language unbecoming to a lady
Unseemly to use profanity
Moved to curb their untoward ribaldry
Decent
Fairly good; acceptable; satisfactory
Finally got a decent night's sleep.
Made decent wages in the new job.
Indecent
Offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters;
An earthy but not indecent story
An indecent gesture
Decent
Suitable; fitting
Had nothing decent to wear to the reception.
Indecent
Offending against sexual mores in conduct or appearance;
A bathing suit considered indecent by local standards
Decent
(Informal) Properly or modestly dressed
The guests are here—are you decent?.
Indecent
Rude or impolite.
It's indecent to speak like that to elders.
Decent
(obsolete) Appropriate; suitable for the circumstances.
Decent
(of a person) Having a suitable conformity to basic moral standards; showing integrity, fairness, or other characteristics associated with moral uprightness.
Decent
(informal) Sufficiently clothed or dressed to be seen.
Are you decent? May I come in?
Decent
Fair; acceptable; okay.
He's a decent saxophonist, but probably not good enough to make a career of it.
Decent
Significant; substantial.
There are a decent number of references out there, if you can find them.
Decent
Conforming to perceived standards of good taste.
Decent
(obsolete) Comely; shapely; well-formed.
Decent
Suitable in words, behavior, dress, or ceremony; becoming; fit; decorous; proper; seemly; as, decent conduct; decent language.
Before his decent steps.
Decent
Free from immodesty or obscenity; modest.
Decent
Comely; shapely; well-formed.
A sable stole of cyprus lawnOver thy decent shoulders drawn.
By foreign hands thy decent limbs composed.
Decent
Moderate, but competent; sufficient; hence, respectable; fairly good; reasonably comfortable or satisfying; as, a decent fortune; a decent person.
A decent retreat in the mutability of human affairs.
Decent
Socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous;
From a decent family
A nice girl
Decent
According with custom or propriety;
Her becoming modesty
Comely behavior
It is not comme il faut for a gentleman to be constantly asking for money
A decent burial
Seemly behavior
Decent
Conforming to conventions of sexual behavior;
Speech in this circle, if not always decent, never became lewd
Decent
Enough to meet a purpose;
An adequate income
The food was adequate
A decent wage
Enough food
Food enough
Decent
Decently clothed;
Are you decent?
Decent
Observing conventional sexual mores in speech or behavior or dress;
A modest neckline in her dress
Though one of her shoulder straps had slipped down, she was perfectly decent by current standards
Decent
In the right manner;
Please do your job properly!
Can't you carry me decent?
Decent
Modest, not overly revealing.
She wore a decent dress to the church.
Decent
Kind or generous.
It was decent of him to help.
Common Curiosities
Can "Decent" refer to quality?
Yes, as in "The food was decent," implying it was of acceptable quality.
What's a synonym for "Decent"?
Respectable, appropriate, or proper.
Do "Indecent" and "Decent" have opposite meanings?
Yes, "Indecent" suggests impropriety, while "Decent" denotes respectability.
Is "Indecent exposure" about clothing?
Yes, it refers to the public display of one's genitals or intimate areas.
What's the antonym of "Decent"?
Indecent.
Does "Decent" always mean morally upright?
Not always; it can also refer to adequacy in quality or amount.
How do I use "Indecent" in a sentence?
"The artist's indecent portrayal sparked controversy."
Is "Indecent" always about morality?
Primarily, but it can also refer to things like taste, modesty, or propriety.
Can "Decent" mean generous?
Yes, as in "It was decent of you to donate."
What does "a decent interval" mean?
It means a suitable or respectable amount of time.
Can "Decent" describe a person's character?
Yes, it can describe someone as morally upright or respectable.
In what context is "Indecent" mostly used?
It's often used to describe behavior, speech, or attire that's deemed inappropriate.
Is "Indecent" a subjective term?
Yes, what's considered indecent can vary based on culture, individual beliefs, and context.
Is "Decent" a neutral term?
It's generally positive, indicating adequacy or appropriateness.
Do "Indecent" and "Decent" sound alike?
They sound similar, but "Indecent" has the "in-" prefix, indicating negation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
