Modest
/ˈmɑːdɪst/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Modest describes a person, amount, or thing that is not too big, not too much, or not too proud. It can mean being humble about your abilities or achievements, or having a small size or amount that is enough but not large. It often shows respect and simplicity.
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See It in Action
Humble or not showing off about abilities or achievements
- •She was modest about winning the award and thanked her team.
- •He gave a modest answer about his success, avoiding bragging.
- •Being modest helps people get along well with others.
Small or moderate in size, amount, or degree
- •They live in a modest house with just two bedrooms.
- •The company made a modest profit this year.
- •The meal was modest but enough for everyone.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "modest" like "small" or "simple," but with a feeling of respect and humility (not showing off)
- ✓Picture a small, neat house rather than a big, fancy mansion
- ✓It's the feeling when someone talks about their success quietly, without bragging
- ✓Sounds like "MOD-ist" → imagine someone wearing a modest (simple) outfit, not bright or loud
- ✓Think of a person who is shy to show off but still confident inside
- ✓NOT like "proud" (showing off), "modest" means quiet and humble about achievements
- ✓NOT like "big" or "large" — modest means small or medium size, not too much
- ✓NOT like "flashy" or "loud" — modest is calm and simple in appearance or behavior
Try Other Words
- •Humble: showing low importance of oneself (Use when focusing on a person's attitude, not size)
- •Simple: not complicated or fancy (Use when talking about style or design)
- •Moderate: medium size or amount (Use when the size or amount is between small and large)
- •Unpretentious: not trying to seem better than others (Use when describing behavior or appearance)
Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: "modest" comes as a whole word without clear parts in modern English
- •Etymology: From Latin "modestus," meaning keeping within measure, restrained, moderate
- •Historical development: Used since the 1400s in English to mean moderate in behavior or size
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people who don’t brag, and things that are not large or fancy
- •Key insight: The word connects to the idea of "measure" or "limit" — not too much, just right
Reflect & Connect
•Can being modest sometimes be seen as a weakness? Why or why not?
•How do different cultures show modesty in behavior or dress?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave a modest ___ about her success, avoiding any bragging or ___.
2.The family lives in a modest ___, not large but comfortable enough for all.
3.His modest ___ in the competition surprised many who expected him to boast.
4.Unlike loud and flashy styles, modest clothing is usually ___ and simple in design.
5.The company reported a modest ___ this quarter, showing steady but not large growth.
6.Being modest often means speaking ___ about your achievements or abilities.
7.A modest person usually does not want to ___ attention or praise.