Modesty

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈmɒd.ə.sti/

Definitions

1. A characteristic of humility regarding personal abilities, along with a behavioral approach that maintains a restrained demeanor in appearance or expression to avoid undue attention or offense
2. A virtue characterized by a humble attitude toward one's capabilities while demonstrating restraint in attire, actions, or communication to prevent drawing excessive notice or causing offense
3. The quality of having a low profile about one’s talents or achievements ; behaving in a way that does not attract excessive attention through clothing or conduct

Etymology: "Modesty" traces back to Latin "modestia," a noun built from "modestus," meaning moderate or keeping within proper limits. The root sense was restraint and measure rather than self-effacement, so the Roman idea was closer to knowing where to stop than to hiding one's merits. The word reached English by way of Middle French "modestie." Its modern sense of humility or a quiet manner about one's own abilities developed from that older idea of moderation: a person who stayed within bounds was one who did not overreach, boast, or draw undue attention. Clothing and conduct came to count as signs of that restraint too.

Synonyms: humility, meekness, reserve, decency, unpretentiousness

Antonyms: pride, arrogance, immodesty, conceit, vanity