Modesty
Modesty and modest have two rather different meanings. The word is used as an antonym of boastfulness; a modest person does not draw attention to their own real or supposed accomplishments and desirable attributes. Terms related to "modesty" in this sense include "humility", "shyness", and "simplicity". A related usage is for some object or attribute that is, in fact, not very desirable; a "modest dwelling" would describe a hut, but not a palace.
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Famous quotes containing the word modesty:
“If modesty and candor are necessary to an author in his judgment of his own works, no less are they in his reader.”
—Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)
“Science offends the modesty of all real women. It makes them feel as though it were an attempt to peek under their skin—or, worse yet, under their dress and ornamentation!”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“Impoliteness is frequently the sign of an awkward modesty that loses its head when surprised and hopes to conceal this with rudeness.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)