Modest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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modest

[ˈmɒdɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.

Synonyms

humble, reserved, self-effacing, unassuming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
modest	Appropriate when describing someone who does not boast about their achievements, abilities, or possessions. She won the award but remained modest about her success. He has a modest house in the countryside.
humble	Used to describe a person's genuine lack of superiority, often combined with kindness and respect for others. Despite his fame, the actor remains humble and approachable. She humbly accepted the compliment, noting her team's efforts.
unassuming	Describes someone who is modest by not showing any desire to be noticed or praised, often perceived as sincere. The unassuming teacher had a significant impact on her students. His unassuming demeanor made him easy to approach and talk to.
self-effacing	Describes a person who is shy and does not draw attention to themselves, often downplaying their own importance. Her self-effacing nature made her popular among her peers, as she never sought the spotlight. He was self-effacing about his role in the project, giving credit to his team instead.
reserved	Best for describing someone who is emotionally restrained, does not openly express feelings or opinions. He's quite reserved and doesn't talk much at parties. She remained reserved during the meeting, offering only minimal input.

Examples of usage

She was very modest about her achievements.
He was modest and didn't like to be the center of attention.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

clothing

Not overly bold or bright; subdued.

Synonyms

plain, simple, subtle, unpretentious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
modest	When describing someone who does not boast about their abilities or achievements; can also refer to something that is not very large or impressive. She is very modest about her success. They lived in a modest house on the outskirts of town.
simple	Used to describe something that is easy to understand or not complicated; can also mean humble and not elaborate. We need a simple solution to this problem. The ceremony was simple but heartfelt.
plain	When something lacks decoration or is straightforward without complexity; often used to describe simple clothing, food, or language. She prefers plain clothes without any patterns. The instructions were written in plain English.
unpretentious	Describing someone or something that does not seek to impress others with an appearance of greater importance or value than is actually possessed; carries a positive connotation of authenticity. He was an unpretentious artist who lived simply and focused on his work. The restaurant is known for its unpretentious atmosphere and friendly service.
subtle	When something is not obvious and requires careful observation to notice; often used to describe slight changes or nuanced differences. There was a subtle change in her tone. The perfume had a subtle fragrance.

Examples of usage

She wore a modest dress to the party.
The decor was simple and modest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, being modest is associated with virtues like humility and decency, often influencing social behaviors.
Fashion trends often vary in modesty; some cultures emphasize covering more skin as a form of respect and cultural identity.
Modesty can also be a defining trait in various religions, often linked to moral standards and self-control.

Psychology

Studies show that modest individuals tend to have stronger relationships, as they are often more likable and approachable.
Being modest can lower stress and anxiety, as it often involves less pressure to compete with others.
People with modesty may also display higher levels of self-esteem, as they do not rely on outward acknowledgment for their worth.

Literature

Modesty is a common theme in classic literature, often representing moral integrity or the internal struggle of characters.
In Jane Austen's novels, characters who embody modesty are often depicted as noble and virtuous.
Folk tales frequently depict modest protagonists who triumph due to their inner qualities rather than boasting about their abilities.

Pop Culture

Many celebrities advocate for modesty in fashion, promoting a less revealing style as a statement against hypersexualization.
Social media influencers who practice modesty often gain a following for their relatable and authentic representations.
Television shows frequently feature modest characters as the voice of reason, creating a contrast with more flamboyant peers.

Origin of 'modest'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'modestus', meaning 'moderate' or 'keeping within measure'.
It has connections to the root 'modus', which means 'way' or 'method', highlighting a balanced approach.
Used in English from the mid-14th century, the term initially described behavior and attire that reflected restraint.

The word 'modest' comes from the Latin word 'modestus', which means 'restrained' or 'moderate'. In English, the word has been used since the late 16th century to describe someone who is humble or moderate in their behavior or appearance.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,521, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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