immodest

American  

[ih-mod-ist] / ɪˈmɒd ɪst /

adjective

1. not modest in conduct, utterance, etc.; indecent; shameless.

2. not modest in assertion or pretension; forward; impudent.

   Synonyms:

   inflated, exaggerated, vain

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immodest British  

/ ɪˈmɒdɪst /

adjective

1. indecent, esp with regard to sexual propriety; improper

2. bold, impudent, or shameless

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Other Word Forms

• immodestly
  adverb
• immodesty
  noun

Etymology

Origin of immodest

First recorded in 1560–70, immodest is from the Latin word immodestus unrestrained, immoderate. See im- ², modest

Explanation

If you're immodest, you tend to brag about your abilities — you're not at all humble. It would be immodest to boast about your experience making movies, especially if all you've actually done is take videos of your dog in the back yard. There are two ways to be immodest: the first is to gloat and show off, essentially being the very opposite of modest. The other way is to lack good taste and restraint. Years ago, it would have been considered immodest to wear a bikini to the beach — while today, it's only immodest if you wear one to school or a restaurant. The "arrogant" meaning came before the "improper" one, both from the Latin modestia, "moderation," and "correctness of conduct."

Example Sentences

Immodest as his words may sound, Shoriki is right.

From Time Magazine Archive

We may apply to the drama, as to every other species of composition, Pope's well-known couplet: "Immodest words admit of no defense, For want of decency is a want of sense."

From Elementary Guide to Literary Criticism by Painter, F. V. N. (Franklin Verzelius Newton)

I must repeat the lines, "Immodest words admit of no defense, For want of modesty is want of sense."

From Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Smith, E. Boyd (Elmer Boyd)

If this were true, it is an Objection only against the present Corruption of the Theatre; and is of no force against a regulated Stage; for that admits of nothing Immodest or Immoral.

From A Letter to A.H. Esq.; Concerning the Stage (1698) and The Occasional Paper No. IX (1698) by Anonymous

"Immodest words admit of no defence, For want of decency is want of sense."

From Recollections of Windsor Prison; Containing Sketches of its History and Discipline with Appropriate Strictures and Moral and Religious Reflection by Reynolds, John N.