modest

[mod-ist]

adjective

1. having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.

   Synonyms: unobtrusive, unpretentious, unassuming, retiring

2. free from ostentation or showy extravagance.

   a modest house.

   Synonyms: unobtrusive, unpretentious

3. having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent.

   a modest neckline on a dress.

   Synonyms: virtuous, pure
   Antonyms: coarse, bold

4. limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc..

   a modest increase in salary.

modest

/ ˈmɒdɪst /

adjective

1. having or expressing a humble opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments or abilities

2. reserved or shy

   modest behaviour

3. not ostentatious or pretentious

4. not extreme or excessive; moderate

5. decorous or decent

Other Word Forms

• modestly adverb
• hypermodest adjective
• hypermodestness noun
• overmodest adjective
• pseudomodest adjective
• quasi-modest adjective
• supermodest adjective
• unmodest adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of modest¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin modestus “restrained, decorous,” equivalent to modes- (stem of unattested modus, an s- stem akin to modus “measured amount, limit, manner” ( mode ¹ ), perhaps from unattested medos, with the vowel of modus; compare moderārī “to moderate” ( moderate, from the same noun stem) + -tus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of modest¹

C16: via Old French from Latin modestus moderate, from modus _mode

Synonym Study

Modest, demure, prudish imply conformity to propriety and decorum, and a distaste for anything coarse or loud. Modest implies a becoming shyness, sobriety, and proper behavior: a modest, self-respecting person. Demure implies a bashful, quiet simplicity, staidness, and decorum; but can also indicate an assumed or affected modesty: a demure young chorus girl. Prudish suggests an exaggeratedly self-conscious modesty or propriety in behavior or conversation of one who wishes to be thought of as easily shocked and who often is intolerant: a prudish objection to a harmless remark.

Example Sentences

Bungalow Heaven — which became Pasadena’s first Landmark District in 1989, thanks largely to the persistence of local resident Bob Kneisel — contains more modest, middle-class dwellings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Washington for his second visit this year - this time with the more modest goal of getting trade talks back on track.

Read more on BBC

He said: "To balance the books, we're proposing some modest increases in some taxes and duties, combined with some savings through reductions in expenditure."

Read more on BBC

For example, the Saudi General Authority of Media Regulation issued new rules for social media creators mandating their adherence to modest clothing guidelines and prohibiting inappropriate language and flaunting wealth.

Read more on Salon

"Though my parents came from a modest background, they were progressive in their thinking. They educated me and that allowed me to work."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• humble 
• moderate 
• prudent 
• quiet 
• simple 
• unassuming