modesty

UK: /ˈmɒdɪsti/ US: /ˈmɑdəsti/ ,(mod′ə stē)

Inflections of 'modesty' (n): npl: modesties

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

mod•es•ty /ˈmɑdəsti/   n. [uncountable]

1. the quality or state of being modest:
   answered the questions with modesty.
2. the quality or state of being modest about sexual matters:
   Her modesty prevented her from talking about sex in any detail.

See -mod-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

mod•es•ty  (mod′ə stē), n., pl. -ties. 

1. the quality of being modest;
   freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
2. regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
3. simplicity;
   moderation.

• Latin modestia. See modest, -y³
• 1525–35

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

modesty / ˈmɒdɪstɪ/ noun ( -ties)

1. the quality or condition of being modest