modesty
/ˈmɒdɪsti/
noun
Origin
Latin
modestus — keeping due measure, moderate
Overview
Meaning Now
- The quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities.
- Behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency.
Literal older meaning
The quality of being governed by a measure.
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
modestie
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term stems from the Latin concept of 'modus', which meant a limit or a proper way of doing things. In the Medieval period, it evolved to refer to the virtue of moderation, eventually expanding to cover social norms regarding behavior and attire.
Evolution
- Latin
modus
“measure, standard”
The foundational root for words denoting limits.
- Latin
modestus
“moderate, temperate”
Adjectival form denoting restraint.
- Middle French
modestie
“moderation, sobriety”
Adopted into Middle French from Latin.
- English
modesty
“humility, decency”
Attested in English by the 14th century.
Connections
Word parts
mod-
root
measure
-est
suffix
suffix indicating quality or state
-y
suffix
suffix forming abstract nouns
Related across languages
French
modestie
modesty
Spanish
modestia
modesty
Italian
modestia
modesty
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Related to modesty
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.