Modest
adjective/ˈmɑdəst/Modest describes someone who doesn't boast about their achievements or qualities, preferring to be humble. It can also describe something that is not too large, expensive, or showy, like a modest house or a modest amount. It suggests a simple, unpretentious quality.
When you hear "modest," you might think of someone who is shy or quiet. While a modest person often doesn't seek attention, "modest" is more about not showing off or being boastful, even if they have many reasons to be proud. It's about having a humble attitude.
It's helpful to compare "modest" with "arrogant." An arrogant person thinks they are better than everyone else and shows it. A modest person, however, might be very talented or successful but doesn't feel the need to tell everyone or act superior. They keep their achievements to themselves.
Is “modest” positive or negative?
“Modest” is a positive word — a compliment. When describing a person, "modest" is usually a compliment, suggesting humility and a lack of arrogance, which are often admired qualities. When describing things like a house or a salary, it usually has a neutral to slightly positive connotation, implying something reasonable, sufficient, or unpretentious, rather than extravagant.
The different meanings of “modest”
“Despite winning the championship, the athlete remained modest and thanked her teammates.”
“They lived in a modest house, but it was cozy and comfortable.”
“She always dressed in modest clothing when visiting the temple.”
Modest in a sentence
- “Even after receiving the award, she remained incredibly modest about her accomplishments.
- “They started their business with a modest investment and grew it slowly.
- “The artist lived a modest life, preferring quiet reflection to public fame.
- “He made a modest proposal for improving the team's workflow, which was well-received.
- “She wore a modest dress to the ceremony, feeling comfortable and elegant.
- “Despite his wealth, he maintains a very modest lifestyle.
Common phrases with “modest”
Words similar to “modest” (and how they differ)
"Humble" is very similar to "modest" in describing a person who doesn't feel superior. However, "humble" often suggests a deeper sense of self-awareness about one's own limitations or place in the world, sometimes even a willingness to learn from others. "Modest" often focuses more on not boasting about achievements.
“He remained humble despite his great success, always acknowledging the help he received.”
"Unassuming" describes someone who doesn't try to draw attention to themselves or impress others. They are quiet and discreet, often blending into the background. While a modest person might be unassuming, "unassuming" emphasizes this lack of desire for attention.
“The new manager was quiet and unassuming, but very effective.”
"Reserved" means someone is slow to reveal emotion or opinions, often quiet and keeping to themselves. A modest person might also be reserved, but "reserved" focuses on their social interaction style, while "modest" is about their attitude towards their own merits.
“She was a reserved student who rarely spoke up in class, but her essays were brilliant.”
When describing things, "simple" means not complicated, elaborate, or luxurious. A "modest" house might be simple, but "simple" emphasizes the lack of complexity or ornamentation, whereas "modest" often implies a reasonable size or cost without being extravagant.
“They preferred a simple meal of pasta and salad.”
"Moderate" means not extreme or excessive; it's within reasonable limits. A "modest" amount or price is often moderate. "Moderate" is broader and can apply to opinions, temperatures, or speed, while "modest" is more about size, cost, or personal humility.
“The company reported a moderate increase in profits this quarter.”
Opposites of “modest”
Word family
This is the quality of being modest, referring to humility or a lack of extravagance.
This describes how something is done in a modest way, such as "he modestly accepted the praise" or "they lived modestly."
Where the word comes from
The word "modest" comes from the Latin word "modestus," meaning "keeping due measure," which relates to moderation and not going to extremes.
Frequently asked
What does it mean if someone is "modest"?
If someone is "modest," it means they don't boast about their achievements or qualities. They are humble and don't try to draw attention to themselves, even if they have good reasons to be proud.
Is "modest" positive or negative?
When describing a person, "modest" is generally positive, implying humility and a lack of arrogance. When describing things like a house or an amount, it's usually neutral to slightly positive, meaning reasonable or unpretentious.
How do you use "modest" in a sentence?
You can say, "She was very modest about her success," or "They live in a modest apartment."
Can "modest" describe clothing?
Yes, "modest clothing" refers to clothes that are not revealing and are considered appropriate or decent, often in a cultural or religious context.
What is the difference between "modest" and "shy"?
"Modest" describes a humble attitude about one's achievements, while "shy" describes a feeling of nervousness or discomfort around other people. A modest person might not be shy, and a shy person might not be modest.
What is a "modest proposal"?
A "modest proposal" usually refers to a suggestion or plan that is not extreme or revolutionary. It implies something reasonable or small-scale, though sometimes it can be used ironically, as in Jonathan Swift's famous essay.