modesty

[mod-uh-stee]

noun

plural

modesties 

1. the quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.

2. regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.

3. simplicity; moderation.

modesty

/ ˈmɒdɪstɪ /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being modest

2. (modifier) designed to prevent inadvertent exposure of part of the body

   a modesty flap

Other Word Forms

• overmodesty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of modesty¹

From the Latin word modestia, dating back to 1525–35. See modest, -y ³

Example Sentences

“I fail to see why modesty is considered a virtue,” he says with a snort.

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Corporate securities filings tout the relative modesty of executive benefits.

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It strikes its own manner of saluting the man and the game and the accomplishments with a lot of modesty, I think.

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One of Jepsen’s most effective tricks as a pop sort-of-star is the modesty of her presentation, which lends a crucial believability to her many songs about feeling overwhelmed.

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Yet the brothers describe their ambitions these days with a modesty distinct from the early 2000s.

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Related Words

• decency 
• humility 
• propriety 
• purity 
• reticence 
• simplicity 
• virtue