overmodest
/'ouvə'mɔdist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Excessively or affectedly modest: Describes a person who displays an exaggerated or insincere degree of modesty, often to the point of being coy, shy, or provocative in a playful manner. It implies that the modesty is not entirely natural but is somewhat put on or exaggerated.
Usage
- The adjective "overmodest" is used to describe a person's behavior or demeanor. It typically carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, suggesting that the modesty is excessive, unnatural, or possibly disingenuous.
- It can describe someone who is shy in a way that seems deliberate or affected.
Examples
- Adjective:
- Her overmodest refusal to accept any praise made her colleagues feel she was being insincere.
- He gave an overmodest laugh and looked away when complimented on his work.
- The actor's overmodest demeanor during the interview seemed more like a calculated performance than genuine humility.
Advanced Usage
- In a social context: Often used to critique behavior that is perceived as falsely humble or coy, especially when it draws more attention to the person.
- Her overmodest protestations only served to highlight her achievements further.
Variants and Related Words
- Overmodesty (noun): The quality or state of being overmodest.
- His overmodesty can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of confidence.
Synonyms
- Coy: (especially of a woman) making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring.
- Demure: reserved, modest, and shy (can sometimes imply an affectation).
- Diffident: modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.
- Bashful: reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.
Antonyms
- Immodest: lacking humility or decency.
- Bold: confident and courageous.
- Arrogant: having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- False modesty: Insincere humility. This phrase is a close conceptual relative to the meaning of "overmodest."
- His constant downplaying of his role was seen as nothing but false modesty.
Adjective
- affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way