modest
/'mɔdist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Humble in self-estimation: Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's own abilities, achievements, or importance; not boastful.
- Moderate in size, amount, or scope: Not large, elaborate, or expensive; relatively small, limited, or simple.
- Unpretentious in appearance or style: Simple and plain in design, not intended to attract attention or show off.
- Behaving or dressing in a way that is considered proper and not attracting sexual attention: Observing propriety in behavior, speech, and dress.
Examples of Usage
- Humble in self-estimation:
- She was very modest about her role in the project's success.
- Despite his fame, he remains a modest man.
- Moderate in size, amount, or scope:
- They live in a modest house in the suburbs.
- He earns a modest income.
- Unpretentious in appearance or style:
- She prefers modest, classic clothing.
- The restaurant has a modest but charming decor.
- Observant of propriety:
- The dress code requires modest attire.
- His modest behavior was appreciated by her parents.
Advanced Usage
- "in all modesty": Used to introduce a statement about one's own achievements in a way that is not intended to sound boastful.
- I must say, in all modesty, that the strategy was my idea.
- "modest proposal": An ironic phrase, popularized by Jonathan Swift, for a suggestion that is presented as reasonable but is actually extreme or shocking.
- He put forward a modest proposal to solve the traffic problem by banning all private cars.
Variants and Related Words
- Modestly (adverb): In a modest manner.
- He modestly accepted the praise.
- Modesty (noun): The quality or state of being modest.
- Her modesty prevented her from taking full credit.
Synonyms
- Humble: Having a low view of one's importance.
- Unassuming: Not pretentious or arrogant.
- Simple: Plain and basic.
- Decent: Conforming with generally accepted standards of propriety.
Antonyms
- Immodest: Lacking humility or propriety.
- Arrogant: Having an exaggerated sense of one's importance.
- Pretentious: Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance than is actually possessed.
- Showy: Attracting attention by being bright, colorful, or ostentatious.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Modest beginnings: A humble or simple origin.
- The billionaire entrepreneur came from modest beginnings.
- A modest proposal: (As explained in Advanced Usage) An ironically termed suggestion that is radical or satirical in nature.
Adjective
- limited in size or scope
- a small business
- a newspaper with a modest circulation
- small-scale plans
- a pocket-size country
- humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
- meek and self-effacing
- low or inferior in station or quality
- a humble cottage
- a lowly parish priest
- a modest man of the people
- small beginnings
- not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance
- free from pomp or affectation
- comfortable but modest cottages
- a simple rectangular brick building
- a simple man with simple tastes
- not large but sufficient in size or amount
- a modest salary
- modest inflation
- helped in my own small way
- marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
- a modest apartment
- too modest to wear his medals