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Webster 1913 Edition


Modest

Mod′est

,
Adj.
[F.
modeste
, L.
modestus
, fr.
modus
measure. See
Mode
.]
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.
Shakespeare
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.
Syn. – Reserved; unobtrusive; diffident; bashful; coy; shy; decent; becoming; chaste; virtuous.

Webster 1828 Edition


Modest

MOD'EST

,
Adj.
[L. modestus, from modus, a limit.]
1.
Properly, restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man.
2.
Not bold or forward; as a modest maid. The word may be thus used without reference to chastity.
The blushing beauties of a modest maid.
3.
Not loose; not lewd.
Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife.
4.
Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation.

Definition 2024


modest

modest

English

Adjective

modest (3) Venus statue.

modest (comparative modester or more modest, superlative modestest or most modest)

  1. Not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements, unpretentious, humble.
  2. Small, moderate in size.
    He earns a modest amount of money.
    Her latest novel was a modest success.
  3. (especially of behaviour or clothing) Avoiding being sexually suggestive.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:humble
  • See also Wikisaurus:intermediate
  • See also Wikisaurus:small

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations


Albanian

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /mɔdɛst/

Adjective

modest m (feminine modeste)

  1. modest

Derived terms