Etymologically
Log in

modestia

This is an old revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 16:02. It may differ significantly from the current version. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Current version Changes in this edit History

Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [mɔˈdɛs.ti.a][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [moˈdɛs.ti.a][1]

Forms

modestia f (genitive modestiae); first declension[1]

Etymology

It is from modestus “moderate”, from modus “measure”, with the suffix -ia.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citation is from Plautus, of restraint.[2] Köbler's first source is Ennius, whom he dates 204–169 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant restraint, mildness, temperateness, as in Plautus, in Caesar respect for order, discipline, and in Cicero respect for decency, modesty, especially in women.[2] Döderlein explains that modus is due measure in itself, modestia the feeling for it, and moderātiō the habit of acting by it.[5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant modesty.[6] British Medieval Latin used it for respect for order and propriety, modesty.[7] It survives in Italian and Spanish modestia and French modestie, and gave English modesty in the 1530s, first “freedom from exaggeration, self-control”.[1][3]

Timeline

  • 204–169 BC – Ennius uses it.[4]
  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of restraint.[2][4]
  • c. 50 BC – Caesar uses it of discipline.[2][4]
  • 1530s – English modesty is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Noun

  1. Restraint, temperateness.[2]
  2. Discipline.[2]
  3. Modesty, decency.[2]

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from moderātiō.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c d Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ a b Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
  6. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  7. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press