modestynoun [ U ]
uk/ˈmɒd.ɪ.sti/us/ˈmɑː.dɪ.sti/modesty noun [ U ] (QUIET SUCCESS)
approving the quality of not talking about or not trying to make people notice your abilities and achievements:
She does a lot of work for charities, but her modesty forbids her from talking about it.
in all modesty approving
said when you want to say something good about yourself, but do not want to seem to think you are too important:
In all modesty, we'd probably have lost the game if I hadn't been playing.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Shy and modest
- aw shucks
- backward
- bashful
- be backward in coming forward idiom
- coy
- efface
- inadequacy
- inadequate
- inhibited
- inhibition
- introvert
- modest
- selfless
- shrinking violet
- shy
- shyly
- shyness
- unassuming
- withdraw
- withdrawal
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modesty noun [ U ] (CLOTHES/BEHAVIOUR)
old-fashioned the quality, in women, of dressing or behaving in a way that is intended to avoid attracting sexual interest
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Style & appearance of clothes
- -sleeved
- backless
- baggy
- bespoke
- black tie
- bootcut
- half-sleeve
- hang
- ill-fitting
- knitted
- low-cut
- preppy
- ruck
- scantily
- scoop-neck
- sequin
- skintight
- snug
- tweedy
- wraparound
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Behaving, interacting and behaviour
Attracting and tempting