Grammaire à connaître
Using 'decent' with 'enough': 'Decent enough' is often used to indicate that something meets a minimum acceptable standard, even if it's not excellent. For example, 'The food was decent enough, but nothing special.'
The hotel room was decent enough for a short stay.
Placement of 'decent' before a noun: As an adjective, 'decent' typically precedes the noun it modifies. For example, 'a decent effort,' 'decent clothes.'
She made a decent attempt to fix the car.
Using 'decent' in a comparative sense: 'More decent' or 'less decent' can be used to compare the quality or appropriateness of things or behaviors. For example, 'This restaurant is more decent than the last one we visited.'
He tried to find a more decent solution to the problem.
Using 'decent' with linking verbs: 'Decent' can follow linking verbs like 'be,' 'seem,' 'look,' or 'feel' to describe the subject. For example, 'That idea sounds decent,' 'He seems decent.'
The weather felt decent for a walk in the park.
Using 'decent' to describe behavior or character: When referring to a person's behavior or character, 'decent' implies moral uprightness or respectability. For example, 'He's a decent man,' 'She showed decent manners.'
It was decent of him to offer his help.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
make a decent living
earn enough money to live comfortably
a decent cup of coffee
a good and satisfactory cup of coffee
do the decent thing
act in a morally correct and proper way
have a decent shot at something
have a good chance of succeeding at something
look decent
appear presentable and acceptable
not a decent bone in his body
lacking any moral goodness or respectability
a decent night's sleep
a good and restful period of sleep
give someone a decent burial
provide a respectful and proper funeral
a decent sense of humor
a good and appropriate sense of humor
it's decent of you
it's kind and proper of you
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
When describing the quality of something, like a meal or a movie.
- That was a decent meal.
- The movie was decent, not great but enjoyable.
- He did a decent job on the project.
Referring to someone's character or behavior.
- He's a decent person, always willing to help.
- She behaved in a decent manner throughout the meeting.
- It was decent of them to offer assistance.
When talking about an acceptable standard or amount of something.
- I earn a decent living.
- They have a decent amount of space in their new house.
- We need a decent internet connection for this to work.
In situations where something is good enough, but not excellent.
- The weather was decent for a picnic.
- The car is decent for its age.
- I got a decent night's sleep.
To express that something is appropriate or suitable.
- You need to wear something decent to the wedding.
- It's not decent to talk like that in front of children.
- Find a decent place to sit.
Amorces de conversation
"What's something you consider 'decent' but not necessarily amazing?"
"Can you think of a situation where someone showed 'decent' behavior?"
"What does 'a decent living' mean to you?"
"When was the last time you experienced something that was just 'decent'?"
"How would you describe a 'decent' friend?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time when you received a 'decent' service or product. How did it make you feel?
Reflect on a person you know who embodies 'decent' character. What qualities do they possess?
Write about what you consider a 'decent' amount of effort to put into a task. When is 'decent' enough, and when is more needed?
Think about a 'decent' compromise you've made. What was the outcome?
Explore the idea of 'decent' expectations. What are some realistic or 'decent' expectations you have for yourself or others?
Teste-toi 36 questions
What kind of food does the restaurant serve?
What does the speaker think of her character?
What does he deserve after working hard?
Read this aloud:
It was a decent effort, even if we didn't win.
Focus: decent effort
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Read this aloud:
He's always been a decent, trustworthy friend.
Focus: trustworthy friend
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Read this aloud:
We just need a decent place to stay for the night.
Focus: decent place
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This sentence structure correctly places the adjective 'decent' before the noun 'effort', describing the quality of the effort made.
The phrase 'decent standard of living' is a common collocation, meaning an acceptable level of comfort and necessities.
Here, 'decent' describes a person's character, emphasizing their good and respectable nature. The comma separates the descriptive phrase.
Focus on the overall assessment of his performance.
Listen for the description of the hotel's facilities.
Consider what her behavior implies in challenging situations.
Read this aloud:
It's important to ensure that all team members receive a decent wage for their efforts, promoting fairness and motivation.
Focus: decent wage
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Read this aloud:
While the movie wasn't groundbreaking, it offered a decent storyline and some commendable performances.
Focus: decent storyline
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Read this aloud:
For a first attempt, his presentation was actually quite decent, demonstrating potential for future improvement.
Focus: quite decent
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Imagine you are a restaurant critic. Write a short review (3-4 sentences) of a new establishment, using 'decent' to describe one aspect of your dining experience. Elaborate on why you chose this particular adjective.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The new bistro on Elm Street offers a rather decent ambiance, with tasteful decor and subdued lighting that creates a pleasant atmosphere. However, while the service was attentive, the food itself was merely satisfactory; decent, but not particularly memorable or innovative. I found myself wishing for a more inspired menu to match the otherwise agreeable setting.
You are writing a character sketch for a novel. Describe a character who is generally considered 'decent' by their community, but has a hidden flaw or internal conflict. Focus on how their 'decency' is perceived versus their reality. (3-4 sentences)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Evelyn was the epitome of a decent citizen, always volunteering at the local shelter and offering a kind word to everyone she met. Her neighbors admired her unwavering integrity and commitment to community values, often remarking on her impeccable behavior. Yet, beneath this veneer of decency, Evelyn harbored a deep-seated resentment towards her family, a secret that constantly warred with her public persona.
In a formal email to a colleague, use 'decent' to describe a work-related outcome or proposal, implying that it meets expectations but doesn't exceed them. Explain your reasoning in 2-3 sentences.
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Sample answer
Subject: Feedback on Q3 Sales Report Hi Mark, I've reviewed the Q3 sales report, and I'd say the overall performance was decent. While we met our targets, there wasn't a significant surge in growth, which suggests there's still room for improvement in our outreach strategies. I believe we can aim for more ambitious results next quarter.
What is the author's main argument regarding 'decency' in society?
Read this passage:
In a society increasingly focused on extraordinary achievements, the concept of being 'decent' often gets overlooked. Yet, a decent society, one where fairness and respect are foundational, might be more sustainable than one striving solely for exceptionalism. The everyday acts of decency, from holding a door for a stranger to offering a genuine apology, collectively weave the fabric of a truly harmonious community. While not glamorous, these actions underpin a stable and ethical way of life.
What is the author's main argument regarding 'decency' in society?
The passage explicitly states, 'Yet, a decent society...might be more sustainable than one striving solely for exceptionalism,' directly supporting this option.
The passage explicitly states, 'Yet, a decent society...might be more sustainable than one striving solely for exceptionalism,' directly supporting this option.
Which of the following best describes the nature of the compromise reached?
Read this passage:
After weeks of intense negotiations, the two rival companies finally reached a decent compromise. Neither side got everything they wanted, but the agreement addressed the core concerns of both parties in a reasonably fair manner. The CEO, though not entirely thrilled, acknowledged that it was a workable solution given the circumstances, allowing both businesses to move forward without further debilitating conflict.
Which of the following best describes the nature of the compromise reached?
The passage states it was a 'decent compromise' that 'addressed the core concerns of both parties in a reasonably fair manner,' and the CEO acknowledged it was 'workable solution given the circumstances,' implying it was not ideal but acceptable.
The passage states it was a 'decent compromise' that 'addressed the core concerns of both parties in a reasonably fair manner,' and the CEO acknowledged it was 'workable solution given the circumstances,' implying it was not ideal but acceptable.
What aspect of her debating style makes her a 'decent' debater?
Read this passage:
She wasn't a brilliant orator, nor did she possess a particularly captivating stage presence. However, her arguments were always meticulously researched and logically presented, making her a decent debater. While she might not win every contest with dazzling rhetoric, her opponents often found themselves unable to dismantle her well-constructed points, leading to a respectable, if not spectacular, track record.
What aspect of her debating style makes her a 'decent' debater?
The passage states, 'her arguments were always meticulously researched and logically presented, making her a decent debater,' directly linking this characteristic to her 'decency' in debating.
The passage states, 'her arguments were always meticulously researched and logically presented, making her a decent debater,' directly linking this characteristic to her 'decency' in debating.
The sentence describes someone maintaining an acceptable quality of life despite challenges.
This sentence emphasizes proper and respectful behavior towards guests.
The sentence suggests the analysis was satisfactory, but not groundbreaking.
The company offered a ______ severance package, which, while not lavish, was certainly fair given the circumstances.
'Decent' here implies a satisfactory and fair standard without being extraordinary, fitting the context of a severance package that is 'not lavish' but 'fair'.
Despite the immense pressure, she maintained a ______ demeanor throughout the contentious board meeting, earning her respect from all sides.
A 'decent' demeanor suggests a proper and respectable way of behaving, which is fitting for someone earning respect in a difficult situation.
The architect presented a ______ proposal for the new civic center; it was functional and aesthetically pleasing, albeit not revolutionary.
'Decent' accurately describes a proposal that is functional and aesthetically pleasing without being revolutionary, indicating an acceptable standard.
A 'decent' individual would likely disregard societal norms for personal gain.
The word 'decent' implies someone who behaves in a proper and respectable way, which typically involves adhering to societal norms rather than disregarding them for personal gain.
If a meal is described as 'decent,' it suggests it was exceptionally gourmet and luxurious.
Describing a meal as 'decent' means it was of an acceptable or satisfactory standard, not necessarily exceptionally gourmet or luxurious. It implies adequacy rather than outstanding quality.
A 'decent' effort would be one that is adequate and satisfactory, even if it doesn't achieve extraordinary results.
A 'decent' effort is indeed one that meets an acceptable or satisfactory standard, implying adequacy and fairness without necessarily being outstanding.
/ 36 correct
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