Immodest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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immodest

[ษชหˆmษ‘หdษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior, appearance

Immodest describes a lack of propriety or modesty, often referring to actions, speech, or attire that is considered inappropriate or overly forward. It can suggest a blatant disregard for social norms regarding modesty and can apply to both physical presentation and personal conduct. Immodest behavior may be seen as boastful, shameless, or lacking in humility, often aiming to draw attention to oneself.

Synonyms

brazen, indecent, shameless, unseemly, vulgar.

Examples of usage

  • Her immodest outfit attracted quite a bit of attention.
  • The celebrity's immodest remarks about her wealth surprised the audience.
  • He made immodest claims about his achievements during the meeting.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, modesty is valued, especially in communication and clothing, highlighting how different societies define immodesty.
  • Fashion trends often fluctuate between modesty and immodesty, with designers sometimes celebrating bold choices that challenge social norms.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that individuals who exhibit immodest behavior might be compensating for underlying insecurities or lack of self-esteem.
  • Excessive pride can lead to social backlash, as people often prefer humility in interpersonal relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Many reality TV stars are often labeled as immodest due to their extravagant lifestyles and willingness to showcase personal successes.
  • Songs and movies often reflect themes of immodesty, portraying characters who flaunt their wealth or talents.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters that exhibit immodesty are frequently depicted as flawed or facing downfall, teaching lessons about humility.
  • Novels often contrast modest characters with immodest ones to highlight moral lessons about arrogance and humility.

Origin of 'immodest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'immodestus', meaning 'not modest', where 'modestus' means 'moderate' or 'restrained'.
  • In the late 14th century, the term began to be used in English to describe someone who is overly bold in behavior.

The word immodest originates from the early 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'immodestus', which combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'modestus' meaning 'moderate, restrained, or humble.' The prefix 'im-' is often used in English to negate the word it precedes, thus 'immodest' carries the meaning of being not moderate or not restrained. The usage of immodest has evolved over time, commonly referring to dress and behavior that deviates from societal standards of modesty. This change reflects broader cultural shifts regarding perceptions of propriety, influencing both language and social norms. As society develops, the line between modesty and immodesty can blur, making the word fluid in its application.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,236 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.