What does indecently mean?
Indecently is an adverb meaning 'in an indecent manner,' especially in a way that is immodest, offensive, or contrary to accepted standards of propriety. It is often used in literary or formal contexts to describe conduct, speech, clothing, or material regarded as scandalous or unsuitable. The word can also intensify another description, as in 'indecently fast,' where it means 'excessively' or 'remarkably.' Because it conveys moral judgment as well as factual description, indecently generally has a critical or disapproving tone. It is recognized in both British and US English, although its use may sound more formal or old-fashioned in everyday conversation.
adverbIn an indecent manner; in a way that is immodest, offensive, or contrary to propriety.
- In an indecent or immodest manner, especially in a way considered offensive or contrary to accepted standards.
"The novel was criticized for depicting the characters' indecently private lives."
"The actor apologized for making an indecently suggestive remark."
"The team has improved indecently quickly this season."
Indecently can turn a simple description into a vivid judgment: something may be not merely fast, but indecently fast.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indecently come from?
The adverb is formed from the adjective indecent, which comes from Latin indecens, meaning 'improper' or 'unbecoming.' The Latin word was built from the prefix in-, meaning 'not,' and decens, meaning 'fitting' or 'becoming,' which is related to a family of English words including decent and decency. The adverbial ending -ly was added in the usual way to form an adverb from the adjective.
Related word forms
How indecently is actually used
The word is chiefly literary or formal and carries a strong moral or social disapproval. In phrases such as 'indecently fast' or 'indecently expensive,' it functions as an emphatic intensifier meaning 'excessively.'