Modesty

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:

    “To test a modest man’s modesty do not investigate if he ignores applause, find out if he abides criticism.”
    —Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)

    “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)

    “If modesty disappeared, so would exhibitionism.”
    —Mason Cooley (b. 1927)