modesty

Modesty refers to the quality or state of avoiding excess, vulgarity, or ostentation in behavior, speech, and attire. It is often linked to humility and the view that one should not seek excessive attention. Standards of modesty vary widely by culture, religion, and era, making it culturally contingent rather than universal.

Clothing is a common focus, with norms governing how much of the body is covered, cut, or styled. Modesty can also apply to speech, body language, and even displays of wealth or achievement, with expectations depending on context such as family, school, workplace, or public life.

In religious contexts, modesty is frequently codified through prescriptions or ideals, but practices differ: some communities require specific garments or coverings; others emphasize inward dispositions such as modest intentions and restraint. In secular settings, modesty is often framed as personal or professional decorum intended to avoid distraction or offense.

Modesty has been subject to critique, with arguments that rigid expectations can constrain autonomy or reinforce gender inequality, while supporters view it as a means of privacy, respect, and social harmony. The term derives from Latin modestus, meaning temperate or proper. See also privacy, etiquette, virtue, dress code.