modestly

American  

[mod-ist-lee] / ˈmɒd ɪst li /

adverb

1. reflecting a moderate or humble estimate of one’s merits, importance, etc.; not boastfully.

   He modestly puts all of his success down to timing.

2. in a way that is free from showy extravagance; not ostentatiously.

   For a billionaire, he lives rather modestly in a home he bought decades ago.

3. in a way that shows regard for decency in behavior, speech, dress, etc..

   When visiting religious sites, avoid offense by dressing modestly: cover your shoulders, torsos, and thighs.

4. within reasonable limits; moderately.

   A modestly priced economy car may be more appropriate for your teenage driver.

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Other Word Forms

• hypermodestly adverb
• overmodestly adverb
• pseudomodestly adverb
• quasi-modestly adverb
• supermodestly adverb
• unmodestly adverb

Etymology

Origin of modestly

modest ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The Bank of Canada projects that the economy will grow modestly as it adjusts to U.S. tariffs and trade policy uncertainty, though policymakers have said near-term economic growth is likely to be weaker than anticipated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Because the market has moved modestly lower in the past couple of months as earnings have continued to grow, the multiple today is just 20 times.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Economists put the probability of recession in the next 12 months at 32%, up modestly from 27% in January.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

In contrast, real median weekly earnings have risen only modestly during the same period.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Both Stanton and Anthony backed the resolution, believing that the men “would modestly permit women to continue the work she had so successfully begun.”

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• humbly
• plainly
• quietly
• simply