decently

USAGE SUMMARY

"decently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how something is done or to mean "in an acceptable way". For example, "She answered the questions decently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For years, it was widely agreed that Britain's heir to the throne could not decently marry his mistress ("doing the decent thing", it used to be called, but times have changed).

The Economist

The tennis superstar, then 31, had just been overtaken by Steffi Graf atop the WTA rankings when she joined the show – but said she'd be back on top by the spring "if I] just play halfway decently".

The Guardian - Sport

Prejudices regarding Somalis, Islam and "backward African tribal customs" (a phrase that regularly pops up) are conflated to create an image of a dark, brutal, incorrigible mass who, to use Kipling's phrase, are "half devil, half child" and therefore cannot be trusted to even raise their own children decently.

The Guardian - Opinion

A conviction politician, Thatcher got rid of "the wets" as soon as she decently could.

The Guardian

With a gymnastic leap, those on the defensive become the underdogs, cruelly repressed by the BBC, feminists, people from Islington, some nebulous "elite" or the suggestion that sometimes a female character in a videogame might wear a decently supportive bra.

The Guardian - Opinion

The clout of German unions, at individual companies and in the political system, is one reason the middle class there has fared decently in recent decades.

The New York Times

He depicts heroism, exultation and gratitude, but also brutality, venality, injustice, deceit, hypocrisy and crushing disappointment.In the aftermath of totalitarianism and foreign occupation, survivors were ill-equipped to decide what to restore, what to replace and above all how to do it decently.

The Economist

Mr Raburn has said that he needs to sell a minimum of 500 planes a year and 750 to be decently profitable.Such ambitions amaze aviation analysts such as Richard Aboulafia, of the Teal Group, an aviation consultancy in Virginia.

The Economist

If the tax burden in a decently efficient scheme happens to flout common intuitions about equity, we always can tweak it at the margins to minimise offense.

The Economist

Maybe so, but few can doubt the eagerness of those foreigners to hand over to the Afghan army as soon as they decently can.

The Economist

Some have used dubious tactics, including building positions by stealth with derivatives.So much money is flowing the activists' way that a few will no doubt go too far, harming a decently run firm or even breaking the law in the pursuit of an edge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decently" to convey that something is done in a manner that is socially acceptable, morally sound, or meets a reasonable standard. Consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "decently" when you intend to convey superlative performance or excellence. "Decently" implies adequacy and meeting basic standards, not exceptional quality.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "decently" primarily functions as a modifier, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It suggests that the action is carried out in an acceptable or appropriate way. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decently" is a versatile adverb that indicates an acceptable standard of behavior or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it conveys that actions are performed in a socially acceptable or morally sound manner. While not implying exceptional quality, it suggests adequacy and appropriateness. When using "decently", remember to consider the specific context and avoid misinterpreting its connotation to ensure your writing effectively communicates your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appropriately

Indicates behavior or actions that conform to established standards or expectations.

respectably

Implies behavior that is socially acceptable and worthy of esteem.

suitably

Suggests that something is fitting or right for a particular purpose or occasion.

properly

Highlights adherence to rules, customs, or expected conduct.

adequately

Indicates that something is sufficient or acceptable but not necessarily outstanding.

satisfactorily

Implies that performance or quality meets a required level or standard.

honorably

Highlights actions that are morally upright and praiseworthy.

in a civil manner

Emphasizes politeness and respect in interactions or conduct.

with decorum

Suggests behavior that adheres to established social conventions and etiquette.

in good form

Indicates actions that are socially acceptable and in line with expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "decently" in a sentence?

You can use "decently" to describe how something is done in an acceptable or appropriate manner. For example, "She answered the questions "decently"." or "The work was done "decently", but not exceptionally".

What are some alternatives to "decently"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "appropriately", "respectably", or "suitably" to convey a similar meaning to "decently".

Is it correct to say someone is "decently good" at something?

While grammatically correct, saying someone is "decently good" might sound awkward. It's generally better to use "decently" to modify actions or situations rather than direct attributes. Consider alternatives like "reasonably good" or "fairly good".

What's the difference between "decently" and "adequately"?

"Decently" implies a certain level of social or moral acceptability, whereas "adequately" simply means that something is sufficient for a particular purpose. "Decently" carries a slightly more positive connotation.