modest

/ˈmɑdɪst/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Showing restraint by avoiding too much pride, display, or excess.

Examples

  • The school asks visitors to wear modest clothing.
  • She remained modest despite winning three awards.
  • He is too modest to mention how much he helped.
  • She chose a modest swimsuit for the family event.
  • Don't be so modest. Your presentation was excellent.

Similar words

retiring
simple
self-effacing
unpretentious
limited
moderate
humble
demure
reserved
small

Meanings

Not boastful

adjective
social
neutral
Not drawing attention to one's abilities or achievements, often because of a humble view of oneself.

Examples

  • She remained modest despite winning three awards.
  • He is too modest to mention how much he helped.
  • Don't be so modest. Your presentation was excellent.
  • The scientist gave a modest account of her discovery.
  • Was his answer genuinely modest, or was he avoiding attention?

Similar words

Limited or unshowy

adjective
everyday
neutral
Fairly small in size, amount, cost, or importance, or simple rather than expensive and showy.

Examples

  • They bought a modest house near the station.
  • The changes produced only a modest improvement.
  • We can begin with a modest budget.
  • Her first novel enjoyed modest success.
  • The café serves good food at modest prices.

Similar words

Reserved in dress or behavior

adjective
clothing
neutral
Avoiding clothes or behavior that show much of the body or attract sexual attention, often because of cultural or religious values.

Examples

  • The school asks visitors to wear modest clothing.
  • She chose a modest swimsuit for the family event.
  • In that community, modest dress is a religious practice.
  • His outfit was simple and modest, not designed to attract attention.
  • What counts as modest clothing varies across cultures.

Similar words

Etymology

From French modeste and Latin modestus, meaning moderate or keeping within proper measure, from modus, meaning measure or manner.

FAQ

What does modest mean?

Modest can describe someone who does not boast, something limited or simple, or dress and behavior that avoid sexual display.

How is modest pronounced?

In General American English, modest is pronounced /ˈmɑdɪst/.

What is the difference between modest and humble?

Both can mean not boastful, but modest also describes limited amounts, simple things, and reserved clothing.

Can an amount be modest?

Yes. A modest amount is fairly small but not necessarily unimportant.

What does modest clothing mean?

It means clothing that covers more of the body or avoids attracting sexual attention according to a cultural or religious standard.

Where does modest come from?

It comes through French from Latin modestus, linked to the idea of keeping within measure.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...