decenza
The English phrase 'decency' translates to Italian as decenza.
decenza is used to describe both moral decency and social propriety or modesty. While other terms may touch on similar ideas, such as Rispetto, which primarily means 'respect' but carries a sense of decency and proper conduct or Correttezza, which refers to correctness or fairness, but it can also encompass the notion of decency, especially in relation to honesty, integrity and ethical behavior, decenza specifically addresses these qualities of decency.
Meaning: quality of being decent (noun)
Did you know?
- The related term decoro describes a type of decency based on outward appearance and dignity, often used by Italian municipalities to refer to the 'decency' or upkeep of public spaces.
- An Italian might use the phrase per decenza to explain that they are doing something not because they want to, but because social norms demand it.
- The Latin root decentia implies something that is 'befitting' or 'proper', which is why decenza focuses on acting in a way that fits one's social role.
Examples in context
- Ebbe la decenza di scusarsi.She had the decency to apologize.This sentence shows how to express having the decency to apologize using decenza.Tatoeba #10900816 by Guybrush88, translation #265402 by CK
- È al di sotto della normale decenza.That is beneath ordinary decency.This sentence illustrates the phrase 'beneath ordinary decency' using decenza.Tatoeba #13933176 by Guybrush88, translation #41606 by rul
- Tom non ha neanche avuto la decenza di scusarsi.Tom didn't even have the decency to apologize.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone lacked the decency to apologize using decenza.Tatoeba #4890318 by Guybrush88, translation #1889696 by CK
- Il rispetto verso gli altri è un segno di decenza e maturità.Respect towards others is a sign of decency and maturity.
- È importante agire con correttezza e decenza in ambito lavorativo.It's important to act with correctness and decency in the workplace.
- mancanza di decenzaLack of decency
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are discussing a colleague's rude behavior.
- SofiaLui non ha mostrato alcuna decenza.He showed no decency.
- LorenzoHai ragione, è stato davvero scortese.You're right, he was really rude.
- SofiaSperavo avesse un minimo di decenza.I hoped he had a little decency.
- LorenzoPurtroppo non l'ha proprio avuta.Unfortunately, he truly didn't have it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries decenza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
