modest

[mod-ist]

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.

modest

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of modest¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of modest¹

C16: via Old French from Latin modestus moderate, from modus _mode

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

That may already be happening: The Rockies’ 11 wins in August were a modest total but it was the most in a month for them this season.

From Los Angeles Times

The company said earlier this year that it would make "modest" price increases due to the rising costs.

From BBC

Woodhouse, modest and focused on his Chargers responsibilities, was initially reluctant to sit down for an interview.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the studio was built before live-work spaces were common, Therrien had to design his modest apartment as a “watchman’s quarters” in order to adhere to building code.

From Los Angeles Times

However, S&P’s report acknowledged that satellite data showed a much more modest reduction of 4%, contradicting the company’s own data, which was collected by airplane.

From Salon

Related Words

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