modest

Speech parts

1. modest - Adjective

2. modest - Adjective Satellite

Meaning

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 youth; a modest man.

Observing the proprieties of the sex; not unwomanly in act or bearing; free from undue familiarity, indecency, or lewdness; decent in speech and demeanor; -- said of a woman.

Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate; as, a modest request; modest joy.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

meek bashful reserved shy humble decent virtuous chaste diffident spartan Lowell vestal down-to-earth coy pokey
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Antonyms

immodest royal cyprian rococo grand imperial
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Related terms

modesty

Phrases with the word

be modest more modest modest person modest young man less modest modest pace

Derivatives

modest

Examples

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions. Confucius

The awareness of our own strength makes us modest. Paul Cézanne

It was a challenge to be able to create a character without being able to use one's normal set of expressions. All the rubber and makeup attached to your face left you with only a modest range of facial movements. Helena Bonham Carter

If you are too modest you will go hungry. African Congo Proverb

Friar Modest never was a prior. Italian Proverb

A man who is too modest goes hungry. Ethiopian Proverb

Close letter words and terms

modernly modernness Modesitt modest attitude modest breakfast modest cadlina