Pronunciation: /fɔls ˈmɑdəsti/
noun a modest or low view of one's own importance or abilities, often feigned for politeness or to gain approval
A1 False modesty is when someone pretends to be less skilled or important than they really are.
A2 She displayed false modesty by downplaying her achievements during the interview.
B1 His false modesty was evident when he refused to accept any praise for his hard work.
B2 The politician's false modesty was seen through by the public, who knew he was actually quite arrogant.
C1 The author's false modesty in interviews was seen as a strategic move to appear more relatable to readers.
C2 Despite his false modesty, everyone knew he was the most talented musician in the group.
formal It is important to distinguish between genuine humility and false modesty in social interactions.
informal Stop with the false modesty, we all know you're great at what you do.
slang Don't front with that false modesty, you know you're killing it.
figurative Her false modesty was like a thin veil covering her true talent and abilities.
falsely modest
false modesties
more false modest
most false modest
is falsely modest
will be falsely modest
has been falsely modest
is being falsely modest
false modesty
modest
to be falsely modest
being falsely modest
falsely modest