immodest
/i'mɔdist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking humility or decency; having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance, abilities, or worth: Characterized by boastfulness or excessive self-regard.
- Offending accepted standards of decency or propriety, especially in conduct or appearance related to sexuality: Not modest; indecorous or indecent.
Usage and Examples
Showing exaggerated self-importance:
- His immodest claims about his intelligence annoyed his colleagues.
- It was considered immodest for her to accept the award without thanking her team.
Offending against sexual mores:
- The dress code forbids immodest attire at the formal ceremony.
- In some cultures, certain behaviors are viewed as immodest.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Contextual Sensitivity: The application of "immodest" is highly dependent on cultural and social context. What is considered immodest in one setting may be acceptable in another.
- Formal Register: The term is often used in formal, critical, or moral discourse rather than casual conversation.
- "Immodest proposal": A phrase sometimes used ironically to describe a suggestion that is shockingly bold, audacious, or presumptuous, echoing Jonathan Swift's famous satire "A Modest Proposal."
Variants and Related Words
- Immodestly (adverb): In an immodest manner.
- He spoke immodestly about his achievements.
- Immodesty (noun): The quality or state of being immodest.
- Her immodesty was criticized by the conservative community.
Synonyms
- Boastful: Showing excessive pride and self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.
- Conceited: Excessively proud of oneself; vain.
- Indecent: Not conforming with generally accepted standards of behavior, especially in relation to sexual matters.
- Brasher: Self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way (often used in the context of "immodest boasting").
Antonyms
- Modest: Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements; dressing or behaving so as to avoid impropriety or indecency.
- Humble: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
- Decent: Conforming with generally accepted standards of respectable or moral behavior.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Immodest boast: A boast that is considered excessive, loud, or lacking in humility.
- His speech was full of immodest boasts about his business acumen.
Adjective
- offending against sexual mores in conduct or appearance
- having or showing an exaggerated opinion of your importance, ability, etc
- brash immodest boasting