modest
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for modest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not boastful about one's achievements or abilities.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use modest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
modest income
modest proposal
stay modest
Etymology
From Middle French modeste, from Latin modestus ("keeping within measure, moderate").
Full origin of modest →Frequently asked questions
What does “modest” mean?
The word “modest” means not boastful about one's achievements or abilities. In plain terms, either humble (not bragging), fairly small, or modestly dressed — all sharing the idea of "not excessive.".
How do you pronounce “modest”?
“Modest” is pronounced MAH-duhst (/ˈmɑdəst/ in IPA).
How do you use “modest” in a sentence?
Here is “modest” used in a sentence: “Despite winning the award, she stayed modest about her success.”
What part of speech is “modest”?
“Modest” is an adjective.
Where does the word “modest” come from?
The word “modest” comes from Latin. From Middle French modeste, from Latin modestus ("keeping within measure, moderate").
Is “modest” a common word?
“Modest” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “modest” have?
“Modest” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not boastful about one's achievements or abilities.
What is the difference between modest and humble?
Both describe people who are not boastful about their achievements. Humble often goes further, suggesting a low estimate of one's own importance, while modest usually means someone simply avoids drawing attention to what they have done. Modest also has senses humble lacks: a modest amount is fairly small, and modest clothing does not reveal much of the body.
Is being called modest a compliment?
Usually yes when it describes character, because it praises someone for not boasting about their abilities or achievements. When modest describes an amount, such as a modest salary, it is neutral and often serves as a polite way of saying small.
