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modest

mod·est
M m

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [mod-ist]
    • /ˈmɒd ɪst/
    • /ˈmɒd.ɪst/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [mod-ist]
    • /ˈmɒd ɪst/

Definitions of modest word

  • adjective modest having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions. 1
  • adjective modest free from ostentation or showy extravagance: a modest house. 1
  • adjective modest having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent: a modest neckline on a dress. 1
  • adjective modest limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc.: a modest increase in salary. 1
  • noun modest Unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements. 1
  • adjective modest person: not boastful 1

Information block about the term

Origin of modest

First appearance:

before 1555
One of the 31% oldest English words
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

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Modest

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

modest popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 96% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

modest usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for modest

adj modest

  • prudent — wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.
  • simple — easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.
  • humble — not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.
  • quiet — making no noise or sound, especially no disturbing sound: quiet neighbors.
  • unassuming — modest; unpretentious.

adjective modest

  • unsure — not certain or confident: He arrived at the party unsure of his welcome.
  • uncertain — not definitely ascertainable or fixed, as in time of occurrence, number, dimensions, or quality.
  • ordinary — of no special quality or interest; commonplace; unexceptional: One novel is brilliant, the other is decidedly ordinary; an ordinary person.
  • restrained — characterized by restraint: The actor gave a restrained performance.
  • limited — confined within limits; restricted or circumscribed: a limited space; limited resources.

Antonyms for modest

adj modest

  • complicated — If you say that something is complicated, you mean it has so many parts or aspects that it is difficult to understand or deal with.
  • intricate — having many interrelated parts or facets; entangled or involved: an intricate maze.
  • brave — Someone who is brave is willing to do things which are dangerous, and does not show fear in difficult or dangerous situations.
  • arrogant — Someone who is arrogant behaves in a proud, unpleasant way towards other people because they believe that they are more important than others.
  • conceited — If you say that someone is conceited, you are showing your disapproval of the fact that they are far too proud of their abilities or achievements.

adjective modest

  • overbearing — domineering; dictatorial; haughtily or rudely arrogant.
  • showy — making an imposing display: showy flowers.
  • excessive — More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate.
  • egotistical — Excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself; self-centered.
  • extraordinary — Very unusual or remarkable.

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See also

Matching words

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