modesty

noun

mod·​es·​ty ˈmä-də-stē How to pronounce modesty (audio)
1
: the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
She accepted the award with modesty.
2
: propriety in dress, speech, or conduct
The young man was known for his modesty.

Examples of modesty in a Sentence

She accepted the award with modesty. He is known for his modesty, an uncommon characteristic for a politician. There was no false modesty in her victory speech. the modesty of her clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Author John Neihardt described Crazy Horse in his book Black Elk Speaks as a person of great modesty and reserve but who was generous to the poor, elderly, and children. Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 Dylan arrives on the scene with the false modesty of predestination, touched by God but desperate for a place to sleep for the night. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024 But the modesty of its proposals underscores the reality that there is no good solution for Japanese security if the country cannot rely on the alliance with the United States. Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2020 For women wearing Islamic face coverings or headscarves, many felt this was a clear attempt at weaponizing their modesty against them, said Baloch. Esha Mitra, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for modesty 

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of modesty was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near modesty

Cite this Entry

“Modesty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modesty. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

modesty

noun
mod·​es·​ty ˈmäd-ə-stē How to pronounce modesty (audio)
: the quality of being modest

More from Merriam-Webster on modesty

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