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:
“The man who is ostentatious of his modesty is twin to the statue that wears a fig-leaf.”
—Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910)
“Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.”
—Harriet Martineau (1802–1876)
“To test a modest man’s modesty do not investigate if he ignores applause, find out if he abides criticism.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)