hint of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or subtle indication of moral integrity or respectability in someone's behavior or actions. Example: "Despite his rough exterior, there was a hint of decency in the way he treated the stray dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He often gave his most ruthless characters a slight hint of decency, whereas the heroes he portrayed often had a dark or vulnerable side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Those liquid, burden-of-decency basset-hound eyes.

The New Yorker

That said, it often seems inappropriate when winners win, and England's apparent sense of decency that day was indeed a hint that they were not (and perhaps are still not) able to call themselves that.

The Guardian - Sport

Add to that "decency," meaning that any hint of "vulgarity chic" has gone — and you get the new mood.

The New York Times

You offenders of decency.

The Guardian - Sport

Thresholds of decency?

The Guardian - Opinion

This insidious note of decency depresses us.

The New Yorker

The Legion of Decency rated the films.

The New York Times

That is a matter of decency.

Independent

Failures of decency closer to home.

The New Yorker

This offends ordinary Americans' sense of decency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of decency" to subtly suggest a character's hidden moral compass, even if their actions are questionable on the surface. For example: "Beneath the hardened exterior, there was a "hint of decency" in his willingness to help the less fortunate."

Common error

Avoid using "hint of decency" when describing overtly immoral or malicious actions. The phrase implies a subtle presence, not a complete absence or contradiction of decency. Overusing it dilutes its impact; reserve it for genuinely ambiguous situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of decency" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a subtle indication or small amount of moral goodness or respectability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of decency" serves as a subtle way to suggest a small measure of moral goodness or respectability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions grammatically as a noun phrase with a neutral register, suitable for expressing nuanced perspectives, commonly appearing in News & Media. Related phrases like "trace of decency" or "sign of decency" offer similar but slightly varied connotations. When using this phrase, it's best to imply rather than contradict overt immorality to maintain its intended effect. While not exceptionally common, "hint of decency" provides a useful tool for writers aiming to convey understated moral nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign of decency

Replaces "hint" with a more direct term for indication.

trace of decency

Substitutes "hint" with "trace", emphasizing a minimal presence.

touch of decency

Replaces "hint" with "touch", suggesting a slight amount.

vestige of decency

Emphasizes a remaining or disappearing element of moral behavior.

glimmer of decency

Indicates a faint or fleeting appearance of decency.

shadow of decency

Implies a weak or imperfect form of decency.

modicum of decency

Replaces hint with a more measurable term, modicum, meaning a small quantity.

semblance of decency

Suggests an outward appearance without necessarily implying genuine decency.

degree of decency

Replaces "hint" with "degree", suggesting a level or measure of decency.

fleeting moment of decency

Highlights the temporary nature of the decent behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "hint of decency" in a sentence?

The phrase "hint of decency" is used to suggest a subtle indication of moral goodness or respectability in someone or something. For example: "Despite his gruff demeanor, there was a "hint of decency" in the way he treated his employees."

What's a good alternative to "hint of decency"?

You can use alternatives like "trace of decency", "sign of decency", or "touch of decency" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hint of decency" in formal writing?

Yes, "hint of decency" is appropriate for formal writing, but be mindful of the context. It's suitable when you want to subtly suggest a presence of morality without making a strong claim.

What is the difference between "hint of decency" and "sense of decency"?

"Hint of decency" suggests a subtle indication or glimpse of moral goodness, while "sense of decency" refers to a consistent awareness and adherence to moral standards. The former is less pronounced and may be fleeting, while the latter indicates a stable characteristic.