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

1555-65; < Latin modestus restrained, decorous, equivalent to modes- (stem of *modus, an s-stem akin to modus mode¹, perhaps < *medos, with the vowel of modus; compare moderārī to moderate, from the same noun stem) + -tus adj. suffix

Related forms

modestly, adverb

hypermodest, adjective

hypermodestly, adverb

hypermodestness, noun

overmodest, adjective

overmodestly, adverb

pseudomodest, adjective

pseudomodestly, adverb

quasi-modest, adjective

quasi-modestly, adverb

supermodest, adjective

supermodestly, adverb

unmodest, adjective

unmodestly, adverb

Synonyms

1. retiring, unassuming. 1, 2. unpretentious, unobtrusive. 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.

Antonyms

3. bold, coarse.

Examples from the web for modest

The modest growth is a reflection of last year's sluggish new-enrollment figures.
Such a modest rate of increase of price does not indicate a serious shortage.
From the outside, the terra-cotta-colored tower appears modest in size.
The decor and food are modest, but still a lot better than the town's few other independent eateries.
But despair not, star-gazers of more modest means.
Of course, students are generally of modest means, but not always.
Small and university presses sponsor these contests, in which a poet sends a manuscript along with a modest reading fee.
The area is edged by modest homes and magnificent mansions.
This book sets a modest goal and fulfills it grandly.
modest gardens can seem bigger if you eliminate clutter, limit materials, and highlight the details.

British Dictionary definitions for modest

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

modestly, adverb

Word Origin

C16: via Old French from Latin modestus moderate, from modusmode

Word Origin and History for modest

adj.

1560s, "having moderate self-regard," from Middle French modeste (14c.), from Latin modestus "keeping due measure" (see modesty). Of women, "not improper or lewd," 1590s; of female attire, 1610s. Of demands, etc., c.1600. Related: Modestly.