Dictionary

common decency en · NOUN

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) A basic level of politeness and courtesy that is expected of all people.
   • His behavior in office confirmed the common view, barely disputed even by his allies, that he is a shallow narcissist, blind or indifferent to common decencies, with poor impulse control and a vindictive streak. His futile attempt to litigate away electoral defeat may appall you, but it probably doesn't surprise you. 2020 November 30, Timothy Noah, “The Trump You've Yet to Meet”, in Jeffrey Goldberg, editor, The Atlantic, Washington, D.C.: The Atlantic Monthly Group, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 10 Jun 2023:
   • As Hurricane Ian wreaks devastation on Florida's coast, with the possibility of continuing up through Georgia and the Carolinas, here's one thing no one should have to worry about: Whether they'll be fired for following a government order to evacuate. This seems like common decency and common sense, but if prior hurricanes are any indication, there will be some employers that still tell people to come in or lose their jobs. 2022 September 28, Terri Gerstein, “Who Has to Work During a Hurricane?”, in Slate, archived from the original on 30 Sep 2023:
   • That man didn't have a shred of common decency.

Forms

Synonyms

common courtesy

Translations (2)

fr décence commune (basic level of politeness) · fr décence ordinaire (basic level of politeness)