Decently: meaning, definitions and examples

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decently

 

[ ˈdiːsəntli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe the manner in which something is done

In a satisfactory and acceptable way; fairly

Synonyms

acceptably, adequately, satisfactorily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decently

Use this when describing an action that meets proper standards or is performed in a good but not exceptional manner. It can also refer to behavior that is socially proper.

  • She was decently dressed for the interview.
  • He performed decently in the competition.
adequately

This is appropriate for indicating that something meets the necessary requirements or basic criteria. It suggests sufficiency without any surplus quality.

  • The report was adequately prepared for the meeting.
  • He performed his duties adequately, meeting expectations.
satisfactorily

Use this when describing performance or results that meet the expectations or requirements in a satisfactory manner, sufficient to meet needs or standards, but not outstanding.

  • The project was completed satisfactorily.
  • She answered all the questions satisfactorily.
acceptably

This is suitable for situations where something meets a minimum standard or is good enough, but not necessarily impressive.

  • The work was acceptably done, but it could have been better.
  • Her speech was acceptably delivered, though it lacked enthusiasm.

Examples of usage

  • He plays the guitar decently, but he's not a professional musician.
  • She speaks English decently, considering it's not her first language.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to describe the degree or extent of something

To a reasonably good or considerable extent

Synonyms

fairly, quite, reasonably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
decently

Used to describe something done in a respectable or proper manner, often adhering to accepted standards of morality or propriety.

  • He was dressed decently for the event.
  • They treated the staff decently during the busy season.
reasonably

Used to describe something done in a fair and sensible manner or to an acceptable degree, often implying practicality or moderation.

  • The prices here are reasonably affordable.
  • She handled the situation reasonably well.
quite

Used to emphasize the degree or extent of something, often implying it's more than expected but not absolute.

  • The movie was quite interesting.
  • He can be quite stubborn sometimes.
fairly

Used to indicate a moderate degree or extent, or to describe actions done in an equitable or just manner.

  • She did fairly well on her exam.
  • The judge treated everyone fairly in the court.

Examples of usage

  • She is decently tall for her age.
  • The company is decently profitable.

Translations

Translations of the word "decently" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decentemente

🇮🇳 सम्मानजनक ढंग से

🇩🇪 anständig

🇮🇩 dengan baik

🇺🇦 пристойно

🇵🇱 przyzwoicie

🇯🇵 まともに

🇫🇷 décemment

🇪🇸 decentemente

🇹🇷 düzgün bir şekilde

🇰🇷 품위 있게

🇸🇦 بأدب

🇨🇿 slušně

🇸🇰 slušne

🇨🇳 体面地

🇸🇮 spodobno

🇮🇸 sæmilega

🇰🇿 әдептілікпен

🇬🇪 სათანადოდ

🇦🇿 layiqli şəkildə

🇲🇽 decentemente

Etymology

The word 'decently' comes from the Middle English word 'decentli', which means 'suitably' or 'properly'. It is derived from the Old French word 'decent', which comes from the Latin word 'decens', meaning 'fitting' or 'proper'. The use of 'decently' has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to satisfactory performance and extent.

See also: decency, decent, indecency, indecent, indecently.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,194, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.