modest

modest
mod•est
[[t]ˈmɒd ɪst[/t]] adj.
1) having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc
2) free from ostentation:
a modest house[/ex]
3) having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc
4) limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc
•
Etymology: 1555–65; < L modestus restrained, decorous =modes- (s. of *modus, akin to modus mode I) +-tus adj. suffix mod′est•ly, adv. syn: modest, demure, prudish suggest conformity to the recognized standards of propriety and good taste, as in speech, manner, dress, or attitude. modest implies a becoming humility and reserve, and a taste for things that are simple and refined: a successful, yet modest, executive. demure describes a subdued and proper manner, but often one that seems affected or insincere: a demure glance. prudish suggests an exaggerated propriety and an irritatingly self-righteous air: a prudish objection to an off-color remark.

From formal English to slang. 2014.

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Synonyms:
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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • Modest — Mod est, a. [F. modeste, L. modestus, fr. modus measure. See {Mode}.] 1. Restraining within due limits of propriety; not forward, bold, boastful, or presumptious; rather retiring than pushing one s self forward; not obstructive; as, a modest… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • modest — UK US /ˈmɒdɪst/ adjective ► not large in size or amount, or not expensive: modest amount/budget/profit »We have a fairly modest budget, considering our oil wealth. modest rise/increase/improvement »There has been a modest improvement in housing… …   Financial and business terms

  • modest — [mäd′ist] adj. [Fr modeste < L modestus, keeping due measure, modest < modus: see MODE] 1. having or showing a moderate opinion of one s own value, abilities, achievements, etc.; not vain or boastful; unassuming 2. not forward; shy or… …   English World dictionary

  • Modest — f Russian: from the Late Latin personal name Modestus, originally a byname from a vocabulary word meaning ‘moderate, restrained, obedient, modest’ (a derivative of modus (due) measure, moderation). The name was borne by half a dozen early saints …   First names dictionary

  • modest — [adj1] shy bashful, blushing, chaste, coy, demure, diffident, discreet, humble, lowly, meek, moderate, nice, proper, prudent, quiet, reserved, resigned, reticent, retiring, seemly, self conscious, self effacing, sheepish, silent, simple,… …   New thesaurus

  • Modest — (v. lat.), ehrbar, bescheiden; daher Modestie, Bescheidenheit, Sittsamkeit …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Modést — (lat., franz.), bescheiden, ehrbar. Modesten, scherzhaft für Beinkleider …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • Modést — (lat.), bescheiden …   Kleines Konversations-Lexikon

  • Modest — Modest, lat. dtsch., bescheiden; M.ie, Bescheidenheit …   Herders Conversations-Lexikon

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