Modest
/ˈmɒdɪst/
Definitions
3 meaningsHaving or showing a moderate estimate of one's abilities or accomplishments; not boastful or arrogant.
/ˈmɒdɪst/
Having a humble or moderate estimate of one's abilities or accomplishments; not boastful.
She was modest about her many talents, always deflecting praise.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's really good at something, like painting, but doesn't go around telling everyone how great they are. They're humble and keep their talent quiet, that's being modest. It's like when you get a good grade, but you don't brag about it.
👶 For kids: Being modest means you don't show off or brag about how good you are at things.
More Examples
The award winner gave a modest acceptance speech.
He is very modest about his wealth.
How It's Used
"He was a modest man, never boasting about his achievements."
"Despite her success, she remained modest about her accomplishments."
Avoiding indecency, especially in dress; not excessive or extreme.
/ˈmɒdɪst/
Relating to or denoting clothing that covers the body to a greater extent than is usual; not revealing or immodest.
The dress was modest and appropriate for the occasion.
💡 Simply: When you see clothes that don't show too much skin, like long sleeves and long skirts, that's modest clothing. It's about covering up and not being flashy.
👶 For kids: Wearing clothes that cover a lot of your body, not too much skin showing.
More Examples
She chose a modest swimsuit for the beach.
The church required modest clothing.
How It's Used
"The company offers a line of modest clothing suitable for different religious observances."
"She preferred modest attire, avoiding overly revealing outfits."
Limited in size, amount, or scope; not excessive.
/ˈmɒdɪst/
Not large in size or amount; limited; small.
They lived in a modest home in the suburbs.
💡 Simply: Imagine something that's not too big or too much. Like a small house that's comfortable, that's a modest house. Or getting a small amount of candy instead of a huge bag, that's a modest amount.
👶 For kids: Not very big or not very much.
More Examples
The salary offered was modest but acceptable.
The restaurant served a modest portion of food.
How It's Used
"They made a modest profit from the sale."
"They lived in a modest house."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
modest proposal
A proposal, especially a satirical one, that suggests a solution to a problem that is outrageous or extreme.
"The article presented a modest proposal, though its recommendations seemed quite extreme."
From Latin *modestus* ("moderate, unassuming"), from *modus* ("measure, manner").
The word 'modest' has been used since the 15th century to describe someone's behavior, appearance, and size.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'moderate' – someone modest keeps their successes in moderation, not flaunting them.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: modus