Word
modest
Phoneticsmod·est, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɑdəst/
UK/mˈɒdəst/
Definitions
01humble about achievements
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not talking too much about your own abilities or successes.
adj. unpretentious and humble regarding one's own abilities, achievements, or status.
“Despite winning the gold medal, she remained modest and thanked her coach.”
“The author was remarkably modest about her success, often attributing her best-selling novels to luck rather than her own literary talent.”
Synonyms
02small or moderate
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not very large, expensive, or important.
adj. moderate or limited in size, quantity, or scope; not excessive or ostentatious.
“They live in a modest house on the edge of town.”
“The company reported a modest increase in profits this quarter, which satisfied investors without causing a surge in stock prices.”
03conservative in dress
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. dressing or behaving in a way that does not show too much of the body.
adj. conforming to traditional standards of propriety in dress or behaviour, specifically to avoid attracting sexual attention.
“She chose a modest dress for the religious ceremony.”
“The school's dress code requires students to wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees during formal assemblies.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “modest” in context.
Verb
01. live in a modest house
“The billionaire chooses to live in a modest house in his hometown.”
verb + prep + adj + noun
02. remain modest
“It is important to remain modest even when you reach the top of your profession.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. modest about his achievements
“Despite winning the Nobel Prize, the scientist remained incredibly modest about his achievements.”
adj + prep + noun
04. modest background
“She never forgot her modest background even after she became a wealthy CEO.”
adj + noun
05. modest increase in sales
“The company reported a modest increase in sales during the first quarter of the year.”
adj + noun + prep + noun
Adverb
06. becomingly modest
“He was becomingly modest when the crowd started cheering for his performance.”
adv + adj
07. relatively modest sum
“They managed to renovate the entire kitchen for a relatively modest sum of money.”
adv + adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“I live in a modest house and have a small amount of savings, so I know that this money could soon run out if I ever needed care later in life.” “Because the energy difference between these choices is very small, even modest pressure can favor some directions over others.” Etymology
From Middle French modeste, from Latin modestus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
01. modest proposal
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/modest