modestly
Americanadverb
-
reflecting a moderate or humble estimate of one’s merits, importance, etc.; not boastfully.
He modestly puts all of his success down to timing.
-
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.
-
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.
-
within reasonable limits; moderately.
A modestly priced economy car may be more appropriate for your teenage driver.
Other Word Forms
- hypermodestly adverb
- overmodestly adverb
- pseudomodestly adverb
- quasi-modestly adverb
- supermodestly adverb
- unmodestly adverb
Etymology
Origin of modestly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
An extended gradual decay also might sometimes allow for modestly positive news such as the data that garnered so much excitement this week.
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
Employment rose modestly and the average workweek edged up but at a slower pace than February.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
Sophie’s father only nods modestly and says, “Thank you. So have you.”
From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
