MODESTY

modesty, reserve

(noun) formality and propriety of manner

modesty, modestness

(noun) freedom from vanity or conceit

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

modesty (usually uncountable, plural modesties)

The quality of being modest; having a limited and not overly high opinion of oneself and one's abilities.

Moderate behaviour; reserve.

(specifically) Pudency, avoidance of sexual explicitness.

Antonyms

• immodesty

• extravagance

• impudence

Source: Wiktionary


Mod"es*ty, n. Etym: [L. modestia: cf. F. modestie. See Modest.]

1. The quality or state of being modest; that lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance; absence of self-assertion, arrogance, and presumption; humility respecting one's own merit.

2. Natural delicacy or shame regarding personal charms and the sexual relation; purity of thought and manners; due regard for propriety in speech or action. Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty. Shak. Modesty piece, a narrow piece of lace worn by women over the bosom. [Obs.] Addison.

Syn.

– Bashfulness; humility; diffidence; shyness. See Bashfulness, and Humility.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

1 January 2025

SOLICITOUSLY

(adverb) in a concerned and solicitous manner; “‘Don’t you feel well?’ his mother asked solicitously”


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Coffee Trivia

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. When coffee berries turn from green to bright red – indicating ripeness – they are picked, processed, and dried. Dried coffee seeds are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor.

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