WordGarden.iomodestly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɒdəstli/
US
- /ˈmɑdəstli/
Meanings
Adverb
to a moderate or limited degree; not very much
in an unassuming or not boastful way
in a simple, plain, or not luxurious way
More meaningsFewer meanings
in a socially proper or not revealing way
Beyond the definition
To do something modestly means to act with humility and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself or your accomplishments. It is about being unassuming rather than boastful. Think of a quiet, well-tended garden—it is beautiful but doesn't "shout" for attention; that is a form of modest beauty. In daily life, someone might dress modestly, choosing simple or conservative clothes over flashy ones, or live modestly by avoiding extravagant spending. Even a brilliant idea can be proposed modestly, without arrogance or fanfare. This approach suggests a sense of restraint, balance, and good taste.
"Modestly" describes acting or appearing in a way that reflects humility, simplicity, and a lack of excessive pride. The word stems from the idea of "measure"—doing things within reasonable bounds. It is a versatile adverb that applies to several areas of life: behavior (accepting praise without vanity), appearance (choosing clothing that is not revealing or ostentatious), and lifestyle (living comfortably without seeking luxury).
For example, you might say, "She modestly accepted the award, shifting the credit to her teammates." In this context, it highlights a person's character. However, "modestly" also has a secondary meaning related to scale or degree. If a business grows "modestly," it means the growth was steady and respectable, but not massive or overwhelming.
It is important to remember that acting modestly doesn't mean being weak or insignificant. A person can be highly successful and still conduct themselves modestly. It is the way they present themselves—with quiet dignity and an avoidance of excess—that defines the term. Ultimately, acting modestly is a subtle quality that often speaks more powerfully than loud self-promotion, signaling a person who is comfortable in their own skin without needing the constant spotlight.
Examples
- 1
Business results
Sales increased modestly in the second half of the year.
- 2
Pricing
The hotel is modestly priced, so it's a good choice for students.
- 3
Public praise
When the prize was announced, she smiled modestly and thanked her team.
- 4
Lifestyle
Even after becoming famous, he continued to live modestly.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Religious visit
Guests are asked to dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- Phrasedress modestly
wear clothes that are not too revealing
See also
Similar
- humbly
- unassumingly
- unpretentiously
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- smile modestly
- speak modestly
- accept praise modestly
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- modestlyadverb