Skip to content

indécent

indecent, improper

adjective an-deh-SAHN Rare

Origin: From Latin 'indecens'.

Usage Note

Indécent describes behaviour, language, or dress that violates standards of decency or propriety; it is more formal than choquant (shocking) or vulgaire. The feminine form is indécente. The related noun is l'indécence and the adverb is indécemment. In a milder, ironic sense it can describe something outrageously excessive: une chance indécente ('an obscene amount of luck').

Examples

"Sa remarque était franchement indécente."

Natural Translation

His remark was frankly indecent.

Explore French by topic