modesty

noun

mod·es·ty | \ ˈmä-də-stē

Definition of modesty

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.

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about modesty

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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

Perhaps one of the most important elements transmitted to the museum was a sense of modesty. — William Middleton, Town & Country, "How the De Menil Family Raised Good Taste to an Art Form," 7 Mar. 2018 The interior more than makes up for its modesty outside, with a pleasant and unpretentious decoration that relies on lots of light hues, timber, and glass. — Maresa Manara, Condé Nast Traveler, "19 Best Spots for Aperitivo in Rome," 1 Mar. 2018 Alexander-Murray would have been, for all its policy modesty, a rather remarkable political achievement after eight years of partisan gridlock over Obamacare that culminated in last year’s dramatic debate. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "Lamar Alexander, pillar of Washington’s old guard, is retiring from the Senate," 17 Dec. 2018 Bras aren’t only vehicles for modesty or policing women’s bodies. — Emma Sarran Webster, Teen Vogue, "Why You Don't Have to Wear a Bra," 30 Nov. 2018 Mr Díaz-Canel, an engineer by training, has acquired a reputation for modesty during his quiet three-decade ascent through government and the Communist Party. — The Economist, "Cuba bids goodbye to the revolutionary generation," 12 Apr. 2018 Politics doesn’t always reward modesty, however—one lesson of 1992. — Dan Quayle, WSJ, "George Bush: ‘Be Prepared and Be Loyal’," 1 Dec. 2018 Part of Luang Prabang’s modesty is attributable to its geography: The town is situated on a finger of land encircled by the Mekong on one side and the Nam Kahn River on the other; the sprawl that might otherwise happen here is physically impossible. — Hanya Yanagihara, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why Luang Prabang Is the Ideal Southeast Asian City," 20 Nov. 2018 But Santo Sospir now exists in a world where modesty is almost unwelcome. — James Mcauley, Town & Country, "The Tragic, Fascinating History of Santo Sospir," 13 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modesty.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.