A WORD A DAY.

Southland Times, Issue 22013, 12 May 1933, Page 8

A WORD A DAY.

MODESTY. The attribute of modesty belongs to one whose ways are “measured” (Latin modus), whose life is ordered moderately, with propriety, unassumingly. Such a one neither undervalues nor overestimates his own abilities, while showing respect for others. By some, modesty is considered a rare virtue in these days, but, in reality, with power, intelligence, goodness in such vast stores on every side, and bestowed on all God’s children equally, it seems unthinkable that one could claim a disproportionate share. Modesty is shown by freedom from excess, by reserve or propriety of manner, by purity of thoughts, feelings and conduct. It does not denote excessive humbleness or self-negation, but unpretentiousness and chasteness. It usually signifies a measured reticence in speech, a quietness of manner betokening fitting decorum. Stress the first syllable of mod-es-ty. Sound o as in odd, e as in end, y as in many. “Thy modesty's a candle to thy merit.” —Monument. — A correspondent writes to ask if the word “monument” can be used properlj’ in referring to anything that does not commemorate a person or an event. He cites this definition: “A structure of stone or other lasting material erected in memory of the dead; or a structure, edifice, or column erected to commemorate a notable person, action, or event.” This is reducing the meaning of the word to the very narrowest point but the word has had, for centuries, a much wider meaning. Since 1440, it has signified a written document or record. Since 1600, it has served as an indication, evidence, or token of some fact—this is the meaning that, your sentence conveys. And this is still very much in use, for our records show it in use from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

The fact that Tyndall in 1530, Spenser in 1596, Bolton in 1618, Petty in 1672, Wallis in 1711, DeFoe in 1769, Phillips in 1837, Mellor in 1876, and Matheson in 1903 have all used the word “monument” in the sense of “Anything that by its survival commemorates an action, a period, or an event,” shows how thoroughly established this meaning is. As an enduring evidence or example of man's inventive genius, we have literary support dating from 1675, and later support from Addison, 1713; Gibson, 1789—“ the monument of freedom and industry”— Hazlitt, 1820, and Kane, ISs3—“beautiful objects, monuments of power.” Professor Freeman in his “Impressions of the United States” declared that “the American Constitution remains one of the most abiding monuments of human wisdom.” This was written in 1883.