modest

[ mod-ist ]
/ ˈmɒd ɪst /
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adjective

having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.
free from ostentation or showy extravagance: a modest house.
having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent: a modest neckline on a dress.
limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc.: a modest increase in salary.

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Origin of modest

1555–65; < Latin modestus restrained, decorous, equivalent to modes- (stem of *modus, an s-stem akin to modus mode1, perhaps < *medos, with the vowel of modus; compare moderārī to moderate, from the same noun stem) + -tus adj. suffix

SYNONYMS FOR modest

1 retiring, unassuming.
1, 2 unpretentious, unobtrusive.
3 pure, virtuous. 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.
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OTHER WORDS FROM modest

Words nearby modest

modernist, modernistic, modernity, modernize, modersohn-becker, modest, modesto, modesty, modesty panel, modfet, modge
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to modest

prudent, simple, humble, quiet, unassuming, moderate, inexpensive, reasonable, small, bashful, blushing, chaste, coy, demure, diffident, discreet, lowly, meek, nice, proper

Example sentences from the Web for modest

British Dictionary definitions for modest

modest
/ (ˈmɒdɪst) /

adjective

having or expressing a humble opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments or abilities
reserved or shymodest behaviour
not ostentatious or pretentious
not extreme or excessive; moderate
decorous or decent

Derived forms of modest

modestly, adverb

Word Origin for modest

C16: via Old French from Latin modestus moderate, from modus mode
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012