Decently
/ˈdiː.sənt.li/noun
In a proper, respectable, or acceptable manner.
Did you know?Decently comes from Latin *decens* (“fitting, proper”), from *decere* (“to be fitting”), a root that also gave English *decorate* and *decorum*—words tied to what is considered right, suitable, and beautifully in place.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dek-
“to take, accept, seem proper”
Latin
Latin
decere
“to be fitting, proper, or becoming”
Latin
Latin
decens
“fitting, proper, suitable”
Old French
OF
decent
“proper, fitting”
Middle English
English
decent
“seemly, respectable, proper”
Modern English
English
decently
“in a proper or respectable manner”