modest Definition
- 1not excessively large, elaborate, or expensive
- 2unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements
Using modest: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "modest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She wore a modest dress to the party.
Example
He has a modest income but lives comfortably.
Example
She is very modest about her accomplishments.
Example
The company made a modest profit this year.
modest Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for modest
Idioms Using modest
Example
Although he inherited a modest fortune from his parents, he worked hard to increase his wealth.
a plan or suggestion that is so outrageous or impractical that it is not seriously considered
Example
His proposal to build a bridge to the moon was a modest proposal that no one took seriously.
Example
He was a modest mouse who rarely spoke up in meetings.
Phrases with modest
a satirical essay by Jonathan Swift suggesting that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food for rich gentlemen and ladies
Example
His essay was a modest proposal that shocked readers with its dark humor.
Example
Despite his modest means, he managed to save enough money to buy a small house.
Example
The school requires students to wear modest dress that does not reveal too much skin.
Origins of modest
from Latin 'modestus', meaning 'keeping due measure'
Summary: modest in Brief
The term 'modest' [ˈmɑːdɪst] refers to something that is not excessive or elaborate, such as a 'modest dress' or a 'modest profit.' It can also describe a person who is unassuming or humble, as in 'She is very modest about her accomplishments.' 'Modest' extends into phrases like 'modest proposal,' which suggests an outrageous idea, and idioms like 'modest mouse,' denoting a shy or unassuming person.
