What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decent
Example
She wore a decent outfit to the job interview. [decent: adjective]
Example
It's not decent to talk loudly in a library. [decent: adjective]
Example
The hotel room was decent, but nothing fancy. [decent: adjective]
respectable
Example
He comes from a respectable family with a long history of community service. [respectable: adjective]
Example
She has a respectable job as a doctor. [respectable: adjective]
Example
The restaurant had a respectable selection of wines. [respectable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decent is more commonly used than respectable in everyday language. Decent is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while respectable is more formal and often used in professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decent and respectable?
Respectable is more formal than decent and is often used in professional or academic contexts. Decent is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.