modest
[ mod-ist ]
/ ˈmɒd ɪst /
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.
Origin of modest
SYNONYMS FOR modest
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.
OTHER WORDS FROM modest
Words nearby modest
modernist,
modernistic,
modernity,
modernize,
modersohn-becker,
modest,
modesto,
modesty,
modesty panel,
modfet,
modge
Example sentences from the Web for modestly
British Dictionary definitions for modestly
modest
/ (ˈmɒdɪst) /
adjective
having or expressing a humble opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments or abilities
reserved or shy
modest 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