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modest
[ mod-ist ]
/ ËmÉd ÉȘst /
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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.
OTHER WORDS FOR modest
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Origin of modest
First recorded in 1555â65; from Latin modestus ârestrained, decorous,â equivalent to modes- (stem of unattested modus, an s-stem akin to modus âmeasured amount, limit, mannerâ (see mode1), perhaps from unattested medos, with the vowel of modus; compare moderÄrÄ« âto moderateâ (see moderate, from the same noun stem) + -tus adjective suffix
synonym study for modest
3. 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.
OTHER WORDS FROM modest
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use modest in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for modest
modest
/ (ËmÉdÉȘst) /
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, adverbWord Origin for modest
C16: via Old French from Latin modestus moderate, from modus mode
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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