07-28-2009, 03:03 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Kick Ass Kunoichi
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I love the Oxford English Dictionary:
Quote:
1. a. Becoming, suitable, appropriate, or proper to the circumstances or special requirements of the case; seemly, fitting. Obs. or arch.
b. Appropriate with regard to rank or dignity.
2. Of such appearance and proportions as suit the requirements of good taste; comely, handsome.
3. a. In accordance with or satisfying the general standard of propriety or good taste, in conduct, speech, or action; esp. conformable to or satisfying the recognized standard of modesty or delicacy; free from obscenity.
b. of persons. spec. in mod. colloq. use (see quot. 1949).
4. a. Satisfying (in character, mode of living, behaviour, manners, etc.) the standard of one's position or circumstances; respectable.
b. of appearance, dress, etc.
5. a. Satisfying a fair standard; fair, tolerable, passable, ‘respectable’; good enough in its way.
Distinct examples of this sense are late; within brackets are given some earlier quots. which may belong to it.
b. Of a person: kind, accommodating, pleasant. colloq.
6. quasi-adv. Decently.
7. Comb., as decent-lived, -looking.
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I bolded the two definitions of "decent" discussed in this thread. Clearly, it has a lot of different meanings depending on the context, and what it means to me depends on that context.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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