decencies
decencies — noun
1. standards of behaviour that society considers morally correct, polite, and respe
standards of behaviour that society considers morally correct, polite, and respectable in a given situation
The local reporter was praised for upholding the decencies of honest journalism.
collocation: uphold the decencies of [something]
My aunt always insisted on the decencies of writing thank-you notes after every visit.
collocation: insist on the decencies
Even during the bitter argument, the committee chair observed the decencies by letting everyone speak.
The newspaper crossed a line by publishing private details without regard for common decency.
Guests at the formal dinner were expected to follow the decencies of polite conversation.
- propriety
more formal, emphasises conformity to rules of correct behaviour
- respectability
focuses on being socially acceptable and well-regarded by others
- civility
emphasises basic politeness rather than full moral standards
- impropriety
behaviour that fails to meet accepted standards
- indecency
behaviour considered shocking or offensive
文法句型
the decencies
the decencies of [something]
用法筆記
Frequently used in the plural form 'the decencies' to refer to specific social conventions. The singular 'decency' refers to the abstract quality. Common in formal writing about ethics, journalism, and social conduct.
常見錯誤
2. the basic physical conditions, services, and resources that people need in order
the basic physical conditions, services, and resources that people need in order to live at a reasonable level of comfort and dignity
Many families in remote villages still lack the basic decencies of clean water and electricity.
collocation: basic decencies of [essential resources]
The refugee camp provided the bare decencies: shelter, food, and medical care.
collocation: bare decencies
The government promised citizens the decencies of modern life, such as heating and sanitation.
Without running water or heating, the house offered none of the decencies of a home.
A minimum wage should cover the basic decencies of food, rent, and clothing.
- necessities
broader term; can include non-essential but highly desired items
- essentials
focuses on what is absolutely needed rather than what is minimally comfortable
- conveniences
implies extra comfort beyond the basic minimum
- luxuries
things that are nice to have but not necessary for a decent life
文法句型
the decencies of [something]
basic decencies
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the plural with a modifier such as 'basic', 'bare', or 'essential'. The specific items that count as 'decencies' depend on the society and era — in modern contexts they typically include clean water, heating, sanitation, and adequate housing.