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:
“My feelings about my work are, on the whole, not unfriendly. Boundless modesty and what people call “humility” are virtues scarcely conducive to one’s complacently dwelling upon one’s own work—particularly when one lacks them.”
—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)
“To test a modest man’s modesty do not investigate if he ignores applause, find out if he abides criticism.”
—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)
“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)