modesty
2 synonyms and 4 antonyms for modesty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The quality of not boasting about one's abilities or achievements; humility.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
modestness
Antonyms
How to use modesty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
false modesty
a sense of modesty
Etymology
From Middle French modestie, from Latin modestia, from the same root as "modest."
Full origin of modesty →Frequently asked questions
What does “modesty” mean?
The word “modesty” means the quality of not boasting about one's abilities or achievements; humility. In plain terms, being humble about your achievements, or dressing/behaving in a restrained, non-showy way.
How do you pronounce “modesty”?
“Modesty” is pronounced MOD-uh-stee (/ˈmɒd.ə.sti/ in IPA).
How do you use “modesty” in a sentence?
Here is “modesty” used in a sentence: “He accepted the praise with characteristic modesty.”
What is the opposite of “modesty”?
The opposite of “modesty” — its antonyms — are impudence, extravagance, arrogance and immodesty.
What part of speech is “modesty”?
“Modesty” is a noun.
Where does the word “modesty” come from?
The word “modesty” comes from Latin. From Middle French modestie, from Latin modestia, from the same root as "modest.".
Is “modesty” a common word?
“Modesty” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “modesty” have?
“Modesty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of not boasting about one's abilities or achievements; humility.
