Where does “indecency” come from?

Indecency comes from Latin indecentia, formed from the prefix in- and decentia (propriety, fitness), which derives from the Proto-Indo-European root deḱ- meaning to take or receive.

indecency (English): lack of decency; the property or degree of being...

Definitions

  1. lack of decency; the property or degree of being...

Ancestry of “indecency”, step by step

indecency traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English decent

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishdecentAppropriate; suitable for the circumstances;...
2Middle Frenchdécent
3Latindecēnsfitting, appropriate, worthy, decent
4Latindecetit adorns; it is decent, suitable, seemly, or...
5Proto-Italicdekēōfit, be right
6Proto-Indo-Europeandeḱ-take; perceive

via English in

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishinUsed to indicate location, inclusion, or position...
2Middle EnglishinAny kind of accomodation; particularly; A home or...
3Old Englishinin; Alternative form of inn
4Proto-West Germanic*in
Every word from Proto-Indo-European deḱ-
indecency — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer