Modesty
Etymology
Middle French, French modestie (c1355 in sense ‘moderation’, 1553 in sense ‘absence of distinction, lack of vanity’, second half of the 16th century in sense ‘decency, reserve’) and its etymon classical Latin modestia temperateness, mildness, propriety, self-effacement
- Date: 16th century 1531
Definitions
Description
Standards of modesty (also called demureness or reticence) are aspects of the culture of a country or people, at a given point in time, and is a measure against which an individual in society may be judged.
Modesty is most often rendered as humility, shyness, or simplicity. The general principles of modesty include:
• Downplaying one's accomplishments (see ‘humility’) • Behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency • Avoiding insincere self-abasement through false or sham modesty, which is a form of boasting.
Fashions and fads at times test the limits of community standards of modesty. People can be subjected to peer pressure, both to conform to community standards or to flout them.
Necessity
At times of public or private emergency, expectations of modesty are suspended, or modified to the extent of the emergency. For example, during the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States, large numbers of people had to strip to their underwear in parking lots and other public places for hosing down by fire departments, often in front of TV news crews covering the events.
Also, there are occasions when standards of modesty are waived, as in the case of medical examinations.
On the other hand, even in an emergency situation some people still insist on maintaining their standards of modesty.[1]
