What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
modestness
Example
She was praised for her modestness despite her success. [modestness: noun]
Example
He always wears modest clothing to work. [modest: adjective]
restraint
Example
He showed restraint by not reacting to the insult. [restraint: noun]
Example
She restrained herself from eating the cake until after dinner. [restrained: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restraint is more commonly used than modestness in everyday language. Restraint is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while modestness is less common and refers to a specific quality or behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between modestness and restraint?
Both modestness and restraint can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, restraint is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, making it more appropriate for formal contexts.