unpresumptuous
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not presumptuous: "unpresumptuous" describes a person who does not assume too much about their own importance, abilities, or rights; they are modest and do not overstep boundaries.
- Humble in manner: It indicates a lack of excessive self-confidence or arrogance, showing restraint in asserting oneself.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Even after winning the award, she remained unpresumptuous, thanking everyone else for their support. (She did not act as if she were superior or entitled.)
- His unpresumptuous nature made him easy to work with, as he never demanded special treatment. (He was modest and did not assume privileges.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be unpresumptuous in one's behaviour": to act without overstepping social or professional boundaries.
- The candidate was unpresumptuous in the interview, answering questions clearly without bragging. (He was humble and did not boast about his achievements.)
Variants and Related Words
Presumptuous (adj): the opposite of unpresumptuous; overconfident, arrogant, or taking liberties.
- His presumptuous remark offended the host. (He said something that assumed too much familiarity or authority.)
Unpresumptuously (adv): in a manner that is not presumptuous.
- She unpresumptuously offered her help without expecting anything in return. (She offered assistance modestly.)
Synonyms
- Humble: having a modest opinion of one's own importance.
- Modest: not excessively proud or boastful about one's abilities or achievements.
- Unassuming: not drawing attention to oneself; modest.
- Self-effacing: tending to avoid the spotlight or downplay one's own accomplishments.
Antonyms
- Presumptuous: overconfident, arrogant, or taking liberties.
- Arrogant: having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance.
- Bold: showing a willingness to take risks; confident to the point of being rude.
Related Idioms
"Not to get above oneself": to remain humble and not act as if one is more important than others.
- He never gets above himself, even after his promotion. (He stays unpresumptuous.)
"To keep a low profile": to avoid attracting attention or asserting oneself.
- She kept a low profile at the party, which was typical of her unpresumptuous character. (She remained modest and unobtrusive.)