What is the difference between decent and proper?

Definitions

decent

- Describing behavior that is socially acceptable and appropriate.

- Referring to clothing that is modest and not revealing.

- Talking about something that is satisfactory or adequate, but not exceptional.

proper

- Describing behavior that is correct and appropriate according to social norms and expectations.

- Referring to clothing that is suitable for a particular occasion or setting.

- Talking about something that is done correctly or in the right way.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe behavior or things that are appropriate and acceptable.
• 2. Both words can be used to describe clothing or attire that is suitable for a particular occasion.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are considered socially acceptable.

What is the difference?

• 1. Scope: Decent refers to behavior or things that are satisfactory or adequate, while proper emphasizes correctness and appropriateness.
• 2. Expectations: Proper implies adherence to specific rules or expectations, while decent is more general and flexible.
• 3. Formality: Proper is often associated with more formal situations, while decent can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• 4. Connotation: Proper has a more positive connotation, suggesting correctness and excellence, while decent can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, suggesting mediocrity or just being satisfactory.
• 5. Usage: Proper is often used to describe specific actions or behaviors, while decent is more commonly used to describe general behavior or things.

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Remember this!

While decent and proper share similarities in describing appropriate behavior or things, they differ in scope, expectations, formality, connotation, and usage. Decent suggests satisfactory or adequate behavior or things, while proper emphasizes correctness and adherence to specific rules or expectations. Proper is often associated with more formal situations and has a more positive connotation, while decent can be used in both formal and informal contexts and has a neutral or slightly negative connotation.