affront to decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affront to decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or statement that is considered offensive or disrespectful to societal norms of behavior. Example: "The politician's remarks were seen as an affront to decency, sparking outrage among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As Pendleton stages it, the sisters' dark, safe house is an embodiment of their lazy solipsism, an affront to decency.

The New Yorker

But Governor Bush and his people have acted as if hand counts in Florida were an affront to decency.

The New York Times

As Austin Pendleton stages it, the sisters' dark, safe house is an embodiment of their lazy solipsism, an affront to decency.

The New Yorker

One of the greatest scandals was caused by Manet's painting The Luncheon on the Grass, which was considered an affront to decency as well as taste.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's official: Frankie are the most scandalous affront to decency since the Sex Pistols and the biggest band, Liverpudlian or otherwise, since the Beatles.

The Guardian - Music

The central bank official said that the men's behavior was "an affront to decency," and that they would now be required to spend their nights in prison in accordance with the original terms of their release.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Their ghettoes are an affront to common decency.

The Economist

President Obama on Saturday described the killings as "outrageous, and an affront to human decency and dignity".

The New York Times

Monday will mark 100 years since German soldiers shot Cavell at a Brussels shooting range, an act seen at the time as a shocking affront to human decency.

Independent

While the club overlooked this affront to public decency, when Mr Leach ran onto the pitch during the last game of the season, against Hartlepool, officials decided it was time to crack down and barred Mr Leach indefinitely.

The Guardian

"However, to attack and kill innocent people in response is outrageous, and an affront to human decency and dignity".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affront to decency", ensure that the context clearly establishes what specific societal norms are being violated. Providing concrete examples will strengthen your argument and prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "affront to decency" in informal settings or about trivial matters. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic if the situation doesn't warrant it. Use more appropriate language for minor social faux pas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affront to decency" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It describes something that is considered offensive or violates established moral or social standards. This is validated by Ludwig examples that showcase how the phrase is used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affront to decency" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong disapproval of something that violates moral or social norms. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and suggests alternatives such as "violation of decency" or "insult to morality" for similar meanings. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a Neutral tone and serves to condemn actions that breach established ethical standards. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, its consistent usage in reputable sources underscores its validity. Ensure clear context and avoid overuse in casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Violation of decency

This alternative replaces "affront" with "violation", focusing on the act of transgressing moral standards rather than the offensive nature itself. The meaning is very close to the original, and its use is quite similar.

Insult to morality

This alternative uses "insult" instead of "affront", emphasizing the disrespectful nature of the action towards established moral principles. It carries a slightly more direct and personal tone.

Offense to propriety

This option uses "offense" and replaces "decency" with "propriety", which refers to adherence to socially accepted standards of behavior. It is a slightly more formal and less emotionally charged way of expressing the same concept.

A slap in the face of morality

This alternative provides a more figurative and emphatic way to express offense towards morality. It is stronger and implies a deliberate act of disrespect.

Breach of etiquette

This alternative is generally concerned with violations of specific standards of behavior rather than moral principles. It's less grave.

An outrage against decorum

This option highlights the violation of social order and accepted customs, offering a more refined and less accusatory way of pointing out bad behavior.

Transgression of norms

This option replaces "decency" with the broader term "norms", indicating a deviation from socially accepted behaviors, although it focuses less on the ethical dimension.

A stain on respectability

This alternative focuses on the damage caused to one's or something's reputation due to indecent behavior, drawing attention to the negative impact of the act.

Disregard for standards

Here, the focus is on ignoring or neglecting established standards rather than directly violating them. The intensity is somewhat reduced.

A challenge to conventionality

This option presents the act more as a defiance of traditional customs than a violation of moral values, lessening the critical tone.

FAQs

How can I use "affront to decency" in a sentence?

You can use "affront to decency" to describe something that violates accepted moral or social standards. For example, "The politician's actions were seen as an affront to decency".

What is a more informal way to express something similar to "affront to decency"?

For less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "violation of decency" or "insult to morality" for similar meanings.

Which is correct, "affront to decency" or "affront of decency"?

"Affront to decency" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Affront of decency" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some synonyms for the word "affront" in the phrase "affront to decency"?

Some synonyms for "affront" in this context include "insult", "offense", or "violation". Each replacement will alter the nuance of the phrase slightly.