modest

American  

[mod-ist] / ˈmɒd ɪst /

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.

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modest British  

/ 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

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Related Words

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 Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of modest

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

Example Sentences

Lamarck labored professionally under the modest title of professor of insects and worms.

From The Wall Street Journal

The outlook includes “a modest degree of direct Middle East disruptions” the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Trading in currency markets, including a modest retreat for the dollar, suggest Wall Street is willing to nibble around the edges of a post-war trade.

From Barron's

Economists expect modest growth for Canada’s economy this year amid U.S. trade policy uncertainty and inflation risk from the Middle East war.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since the ticking fee is modest, a delay actually would reduce an arbitrager’s return.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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