modesty
Americannoun
plural
modesties-
the quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
-
regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
-
simplicity; moderation.
noun
-
the quality or condition of being modest
-
(modifier) designed to prevent inadvertent exposure of part of the body
a modesty flap
Other Word Forms
- overmodesty noun
Etymology
Origin of modesty
From the Latin word modestia, dating back to 1525–35. See modest, -y 3
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The ease and modesty present in “Marc by Sofia” sometimes seem perplexing.
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026
He urged employees to also show modesty with pension funds and their other clients.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026
As I began talking with them about the years of advocacy that followed, Patricia’s modesty blushed.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026
The garment is worn over the head as a display of modesty, but it's not always been welcomed on the football pitch.
From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025
Her skirts are a little higher than a real lady would wear, midcalf just like the rest of us, modesty leggings underneath.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
