Definition

1. 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

1. offending against sexual mores in conduct or appearance
2. having or showing an exaggerated opinion of your importance, ability, etc
   • brash immodest boasting