When used to modify a sum or amount, or to mean "unpretentious," modest conveys a sense of not being excessive: Captives received a modest salary of $0.80 per day, working at farms …

Modest definition: having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions..

MODEST definition: 1. not large in size or amount, or not expensive: 2. not usually talking about or making obvious…. Learn more.

Define modest. modest synonyms, modest pronunciation, modest translation, English dictionary definition of modest. adj. 1. Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's own abilities, …

Definition of modest adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you say that someone is modest, you approve of them because they do not talk much about their abilities or achievements.

Jun 13, 2025 · Modest refers to showing humility or simplicity, often avoiding extravagance or arrogance. It can apply to personality, appearance, achievements, or even living standards. …

A person is modest if he or she is very successful but does not call attention to this. Modest generally means "big enough but not huge" — like a modest house or a modest income.

There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective modest, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. OED's …

Some common synonyms of modest are chaste, decent, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," modest and decent apply especially to …