modest
Use Modest in a sentence
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.
2.
free from ostentation or showy extravagance: a modest house.
3.
having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent: a modest neckline on a dress.
4.
limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc.: a modest increase in salary.
Origin:
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
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
Related forms
mod·est·ly, adverb
hy·per·mod·est, adjective
hy·per·mod·est·ly, adverb
hy·per·mod·est·ness, noun
o·ver·mod·est, adjective
o·ver·mod·est·ly, adverb
pseu·do·mod·est, adjective
pseu·do·mod·est·ly, adverb
qua·si-mod·est, adjective
qua·si-mod·est·ly, adverb
su·per·mod·est, adjective
su·per·mod·est·ly, adverb
un·mod·est, adjective
un·mod·est·ly, adverb
Synonyms
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.
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.
Antonyms
3. bold, coarse.
3. bold, coarse.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To modest
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Modest
is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
modest (ˈmɒdɪst) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| 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 |
| [C16: via Old French from Latin modestus moderate, from modus | |
| 'modestly | |
| —adv | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
modest
1560s, "having moderate self-regard," from Fr. modeste, from L. modestus "keeping due measure" (see modesty). Of women, "not improper or lewd," 1590s; of female attire, 1610s. Of demands, etc., c.1600. Related: Modestly.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
As far as the host country's population is concerned, then, the benefits of immigration may be modest and unevenly distributed.
Seemingly modest fluctuations in rainfall, temperature and other meteorological factors can create havoc in vulnerable societies.
And if you do wear a skirt, make certain it's long enough to remain modest no matter what the seating should be.
The modest worm can provide you with quality organic fertilizer.
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