1. standards of proper and moral behavior; things that are considered socially acceptable
Usage: plural form of decency
2. basic necessities or comforts of life
Usage: often used with ‘the’

Examples

• The children were taught the basic decencies of polite conversation.
• He violated all the common decencies by interrupting the funeral service.
• The family struggled to afford even the decencies of life.
• Social decencies require that we respect others’ privacy.
• The refugees lacked access to the basic decencies like clean water and shelter.
• She maintained the decencies despite living in poverty.
• Common decencies dictate that you should thank your host.