What does "modesty" mean?
The quality of being modest; having a limited and not overly high opinion of oneself and one's abilities.
Modesty
/ˈmɒd.ə.sti/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The quality of being modest; having a limited and not overly high opinion of oneself and one's abilities.
- Grammar: modesty is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: reserve, aloofness, altruism, backwardness.
- Useful contrasts: bumptious, obscenest, public nakedness.
- Usage evidence: Modesty is befitting to a young girl.
How to use "modesty"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "modesty" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "modesty" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "modesty" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "modesty" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "modesty" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "reserve" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "modesty", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The quality of being modest; having a limited and not overly high opinion of oneself and one's abilities. uncountable, usually
"At her invitation he outlined for her the succeeding chapters with terse military accuracy ; and what she liked best and best understood was avoidance of that false modesty which condescends, turning technicality into pabulum."
- 2 formality and propriety of manner wordnet
- 3 Moderate behaviour; reserve. uncountable, usually
- 4 freedom from vanity or conceit wordnet
- 5 Pudency, avoidance of sexual explicitness. specifically, uncountable, usually
"... but the cars of chaste women have either coverings thrown over them, or white sheets hung over; for instance, on the cars of the female part of the family of the deceased Nawabs Khanduran and Muzaffar Khan, there used generally to be fastened thick dirty white cloths, and in like manner also on their palanquins—although one brother was the chief treasurer, and the other a commander of seven thousand men. And most assuredly this is a requirement of modesty; for one whose palanquin or cart is turned out with much splendour, verily the idea comes to the minds of the sight-seers and common people, that in it there must be some lovely one, bright as the morning, the envy of the fairies. Hence, for the cars or palanquins for women to ride in to be greatly embroidered is, in the opinion of certain men of standing, who are worthy to be trusted, of great infamy."
Example
"Modesty is befitting to a young girl."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "modesty"?
Common synonyms include: reserve, aloofness, altruism, backwardness, bashfulness, blankness.
How do you use "modesty" in a sentence?
Modesty is befitting to a young girl.
How do you pronounce "modesty"?
Pronounced /ˈmɒd.ə.sti/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French modestie, from Latin modestia; equivalent to modest + -y.