de·cent / ˈdēsənt/ • adj. 1. conforming with generally accepted standards of respectable or moral behavior. ∎  appropriate; fitting: a decent waiting period. ∎  not likely to shock or embarrass others. ∎ inf. sufficiently clothed to see visitors.2. of an acceptable standard; satisfactory; good: a pretty decent plot of land. ∎  kind, obliging, or generous.DERIVATIVES: de·cent·ly adv.

decent †becoming, fitting; modest, in good taste XVI; respectable; fair, tolerable XVIII. — F. décent or L. decēns, decent-, pp. of decēre be fitting, rel. to DECOROUS, DIGNITY.
So decency XVI. — L. decentia; see -Y 3.