WordGarden.iomodest
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɒdəst/
US
- /ˈmɑdəst/
Meanings
Adjective
fairly small, limited, or not extreme in amount or scale
not boastful or overly proud about oneself
socially proper and not sexually revealing, especially in dress
Beyond the definition
To be modest means not boasting about your achievements or possessions; it is about being humble and down-to-earth. A modest home is not necessarily tiny, but it is likely comfortable and simple, without flashy displays of wealth. You might describe someone as "modest" if they brush off compliments with a smile instead of bragging. Think of a quiet wildflower: beautiful, but not shouting for attention. The word is also used to mean moderate or restrained; for instance, a modest request is not asking for too much, and a modest improvement is small but steady.
Sometimes, "modest" refers to propriety and covering up—like wearing modest clothing. This usage stems from the idea of avoiding excessive or provocative display. So, whether it concerns personality, possessions, or presentation, "modest" suggests a sense of restraint and humility.
The word "modest" carries a fascinating range of meanings, all circling around the core ideas of humility, moderation, and decency. At its heart, being modest is about avoiding excessive pride. Someone who achieves great success but remains humble and doesn't flaunt their accomplishments is considered modest. They might even downplay their achievements, often saying, "Oh, it was nothing really," to keep the focus off their ego.
However, "modest" isn't limited to personality. It also describes something that is moderate or limited in size, amount, or extent. A modest salary is one that is enough for a comfortable life but not extravagant. A modest proposal is a suggestion that isn't overly ambitious or demanding. A modest meal, a modest budget, or a modest improvement all suggest something limited, careful, and not excessive.
Historically, "modest" also carries strong connotations of propriety and decency, particularly regarding clothing and social behavior. To be modestly dressed means covering up and avoiding excessive exposure to maintain a sense of privacy and respectability. While some modern contexts view this primarily through a traditional lens, the underlying principle remains the same: a desire to avoid attracting unwanted attention through vanity.
Ultimately, whether you are describing someone's character, the scale of a project, or standards of dress, "modest" suggests a quiet dignity. It is the art of finding balance, practicing restraint, and avoiding the trap of unnecessary display.
Examples
- 1
Home
They bought a modest house near the station.
- 2
Salary
Even a modest salary can go far in a small town.
- 3
Business results
The company reported a modest increase in sales this quarter.
- 4
Film budget
The film was made on a modest budget, but it looks great.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal praise
Despite all the praise, she remained modest.
- 6
Achievements
He's always modest about his achievements.
- Patternmodest about + achievement/success
not talking proudly about it
- 7
Clothing
The school asks students to wear modest clothing at the ceremony.
- Phrasemodest clothing
clothes that do not show too much of the body
See also
Similar
- humble
- unassuming
- self-effacing
Shades of meaning
- unpretentious
- self-deprecating
- down-to-earth
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- modest about
- modest person
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- modestadjective