Definition of Modest
1. Adjective. Marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself. "Too modest to wear his medals"
2. Adjective. Not large but sufficient in size or amount. "Helped in my own small way"
3. Adjective. Free from pomp or affectation. "A simple man with simple tastes"
4. Adjective. Not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance.
Also: Decent
Similar to: Coy, Demure, Overmodest, Decent, Decent, Shamefaced
Antonyms: Immodest
Derivative terms: Modestness
5. Adjective. Low or inferior in station or quality. "Small beginnings"
6. Adjective. Humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness. "Meek and self-effacing"
7. Adjective. Limited in size or scope. "A pocket-size country"
Similar to: Limited
Derivative terms: Smallness
Definition of Modest
1. a. 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.
Definition of Modest
1. Adjective. Not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements, unpretentious, humble. ¹
2. Adjective. Small, moderate in size. ¹
3. Adjective. (especially of behaviour or clothing) Avoiding being sexually suggestive. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Modest
1. having a moderate regard for oneself [adj -ESTER, -ESTEST] : MODESTLY [adv]
Medical Definition of Modest
1. 1. 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. 2. 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. "Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife." (Shak) "The blushing beauties of a modest maid." (Dryden) 3. Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate; as, a modest request; modest joy. Synonym: Reserved, unobtrusive, diffident, bashful, coy, shy, decent, becoming, chaste, virtuous. Origin: F. Modeste, L. Modestus, fr. Modus measure. See Mode. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Modest
Literary usage of Modest
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Peter Augustin Daniel (1874)
"... Or the true Picture of a modest Maid, aiid of a Chast and constant wife,'
1594; f. extracts from Marston, Carew, &c.; a. Gabriel Harvey's Third Letter, ..."
2. A Dictionary of the English Language: In which the Words are Deduced from ...by Samuel Johnson by Samuel Johnson (1805)
"Boyle's Seraphic Love. The great corrupters of discourse have not so unfruitful
of themselves. • Cev. if £c Tmg.uj Diffident of himself; modest ..."
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