Definition and Pronunciation
Immodest (pronounced: /ɪˈmɑːdɪst/) is an adjective that describes behavior, speech, clothing, or attitude that lacks modesty. It can mean showing too much pride, boasting, or drawing attention to oneself, but it often refers to sexually revealing or indecent behavior.
Easy Explanation
“Immodest” means not modest. It can describe someone who brags too much or someone who dresses or acts in a sexually provocative way. For example, wearing extremely revealing clothes in a conservative culture might be called immodest.
Grammatical Formation
- Prefix: im- (not) + modest (humble, decent).
- Adjective: immodest
- Noun: immodesty
- Adverb: immodestly
- Opposite: modest
Word Comparisons
- Immodest vs. arrogant: arrogant = overly proud; immodest can mean proud but also indecent in dress or behavior.
- Immodest vs. indecent: indecent = offensive or immoral; immodest = lacking humility or modesty, sometimes milder.
- Immodest vs. unchaste: unchaste = sexually impure; immodest = behavior or appearance that suggests lack of modesty.
Connotations
- Negative: boastful, indecent, revealing, lacking humility.
- Neutral (rare): bold, self-confident (sometimes used positively in modern contexts).
- Cultural/Religious: morally improper, sexually provocative.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Immodest in: immodest in dress or behavior.
- Immodest with: immodest with his wealth.
- Immodest about: immodest about her achievements.
Real-Life Examples
- The teacher found her dress immodest for a school event.
- He was immodest about his success, constantly boasting.
- Some communities view certain dance moves as immodest behavior.
- The critic called the actress’s performance immodest and vulgar.
Synonyms
indecent, boastful, arrogant, conceited, unchaste, shameless, vain, bold
Antonyms
modest, humble, decent, virtuous, reserved, pure, discreet
Related Terms
- Modesty – humility and decency in behavior, dress, or speech.
- Chastity – sexual purity.
- Decency – socially appropriate behavior.
- Virtue – moral goodness.
Common Collocations
- immodest dress
- immodest behavior
- immodest boasting
- immodest lifestyle
- immodest remarks
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Immodest claim: exaggeration or boastful statement.
- Immodest attire: clothing judged as too revealing.
- Immodest request: a demand seen as rude or excessive.
Sample Sentences
- The preacher warned against immodest clothing.
- He made an immodest comment about his wealth.
- The novel criticizes the immodest behavior of the aristocracy.
- She was accused of being immodest for ignoring cultural traditions.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, often. In many contexts, “immodest” is used to criticize sexually revealing clothing, provocative gestures, or flirtatious behavior. It reflects cultural and religious standards of sexual morality and purity.
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