modesty

Modesty is defined as the act of showing reserve in behavior or clothes.

(noun)

  1. An example of modesty is when you are a great violin player and you simply say "I enjoy playing" when someone asks you if you are any good or not.
  2. An example of modesty is when you wear a shirt over your bathing suit because you don't want to show off too much of your body.

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See modesty in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the quality or state of being modest; specif.,
  1. unassuming or humble behavior
  2. lack of excesses or pretensions; moderation
  3. decency; decorum

Origin: Fr modestie < L modestia

See modesty in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The state or quality of being modest.
  2. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress, or behavior.
  3. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity.

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