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.
"Saudis love to enjoy, have fun and appreciate life, but always within the boundaries of our religion and our sense of modesty," added Oni.
From Barron's
It’s a sentence that reflects two virtues seemingly antithetical to the movie industry: false modesty and a sweet nature.
There is something special about “Train Dreams” even as its built-in modesty makes it feel awkward to lavish it with excess praise.
From Los Angeles Times
“I fail to see why modesty is considered a virtue,” he says with a snort.
From Los Angeles Times
Corporate securities filings tout the relative modesty of executive benefits.
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.
