out of modesty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of modesty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is done out of humility or humility. For example: She declined the job offer out of modesty, even though it would have been a great opportunity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Robbie ducked his head out of modesty.

The New Yorker

"We don't have to wear a wig out of modesty.

The New York Times

Mr. Ibrahim had been reluctant at first, we thought out of modesty or respect for the privacy of the bereaved.

The New York Times

But the professor would, I suspect, quickly shrug off such a custodial title – not out of modesty, but principle.

Independent

The brothers themselves, whether out of modesty or an unreflective nature, seemed at a loss for an explanation.

The New York Times

Some Jewish dealers will instinctively deprecate their business fortunes, both out of modesty and to avert any bad luck incited by boasting.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Hot for a Jew?" I explained to him that it's a self-hatred thing only indirectly comparable to the modesty-out-of-fear of a Pearl Buck character.

Vice

He makes Canada out to be a land of modesty and thrift, and the United States to be its opposite, an orgy of accumulation, ostentation, and bad sense.

The New Yorker

Compared with the Los Angeles stylist Jonathan Antin, star of Bravo's "Blow Out," she's a beacon of modesty and self-restraint.

The New York Times - Arts

You can see covered women (and remember, to cover is a sign of modesty) making out with their boyfriends on the promenade.

The New York Times

It is probably worth pointing out that, while my level of modesty hasn't changed, my level of discretion has.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of modesty", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates a genuine desire to avoid boasting or taking undue credit, rather than feigning humility for ulterior motives. Sincerity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "out of modesty" to describe actions that are actually driven by insecurity or a lack of confidence, rather than genuine humility. This can create a disconnect between the intended meaning and the perceived motive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of modesty" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the reason or motivation behind an action. It indicates that something is done because of a desire to avoid appearing boastful or arrogant. Ludwig confirms the validity and usability of the expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of modesty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that explains actions motivated by a desire to avoid arrogance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys the meaning of humility and self-effacement. While commonly found in news and media contexts, its use spans academic and general discourse. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring it reflects genuine humility rather than false modesty or other underlying motivations. By considering related phrases like "from a place of humility" and being mindful of potential misinterpretations, writers can effectively communicate this nuanced concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an act of humility

Highlights the action itself as a display of humbleness.

motivated by humility

Highlights the driving force as humility itself.

in humble fashion

Describes the manner in which something is done, emphasizing humility.

from a place of humility

Emphasizes the humble origin of the action, rather than simply the avoidance of boasting.

due to a humble nature

Focuses on the inherent characteristic of being humble.

to avoid arrogance

Focuses on the active avoidance of appearing arrogant.

from a sense of deference

Shifts the focus to respect for others as the reason for the action.

being self-effacing

Highlights downplaying one's own achievements.

to downplay achievements

Emphasizes minimizing the importance of accomplishments.

with a low profile

Focuses on avoiding attention.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "out of modesty" to sound more sophisticated?

Consider using phrases like "from a place of humility", "motivated by humility", or "in an act of humility" for a more nuanced expression of the motivation behind an action.

Is it ever appropriate to not act "out of modesty"?

Yes, in situations where self-promotion or assertiveness is necessary, such as job interviews or advocating for your accomplishments, downplaying your abilities can be detrimental. It's about finding a balance between humility and accurately representing your capabilities.

What is the difference between "out of modesty" and "out of shame"?

"Out of modesty" suggests a voluntary downplaying of achievements to avoid arrogance, while "out of shame" implies actions driven by feelings of embarrassment or unworthiness. The underlying emotions and motivations are distinct.

How to avoid sounding insincere when acting "out of modesty"?

Focus on acknowledging the contributions of others, highlighting the collaborative nature of success, and expressing gratitude. Genuine appreciation can demonstrate humility more effectively than simply denying personal merit.