French word

modestie

Pronunciation

IPA/modɛsti/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhumility

Example

Sa modestie m'impressionne.

Their humility impresses me.

Illustration for modestie (humility)

More examples

Elle fait preuve de modestie malgré ses succès.

She shows humility despite her successes.

Core concept

A person keeping praise for their abilities or success understated.

Common phrases

  • faire preuve de modestie

    show humility

  • manquer de modestie

    lack humility

  • avoir de la modestie

    have humility

Similar words

humilité: A deferential attitude that does not flaunt one's abilities or social standing.
réserve: A tendency to keep feelings and opinions from being openly expressed.
timidité: A shy disposition that causes nervousness and hesitation around people or in public.
discrétion: Quiet, considerate behavior that avoids attracting notice.

Definition in French

Disposition caractérisée par la retenue dans l'expression de ses qualités ou de ses succès.

Word origin

French modestie comes from Latin modestia, from modestus and ultimately modus, meaning measure or restraint.

Usage tips

  • Modestie is feminine, so standard forms include la modestie and beaucoup de modestie.

Other meanings

  • modestynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word