Word: modest

Associations

"Modest" describes someone or something that is not too proud or flashy. It often refers to a humble attitude or simple style.

Example 1: "She wore a modest dress to the party." This means the dress is simple and not showy.
Example 2: "He is very modest about his achievements." This means he does not boast or brag about what he has done.
Example 3: "The restaurant has a modest menu." Here, it suggests that the menu is simple and not extravagant.

Synonym: A common synonym is "humble." The difference is that "modest" often connects to a person's behavior or style, while "humble" relates more to self-esteem and pride.

Substitution

Some other words or phrases that can replace "modest" may include:

Simple: This emphasizes the lack of decoration.
Reserved: This suggests a quiet or unassuming nature.
Unpretentious: This indicates a lack of attempts to impress or attract attention.

Using these alternatives can change the focus. For example, "simple" emphasizes style, while "reserved" emphasizes personality.

Deconstruction

The word "modest" comes from the Latin "modestus," meaning "keeping due measure or moderate."

No prefix or suffix is necessary here.
The root "mod-" relates to moderation or restraint, showing that the idea of modesty involves balance and not excess.

Inquiry

Can you think of a time when you saw someone being modest? What were they doing?
How would you describe a modest meal versus an extravagant meal?
Do you think being modest is a good quality? Why or why not?

Model: gpt-4o-mini