adjective
- having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one’s merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.
- free from ostentation or showy extravagance: a modest house.
- having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent: a modest neckline on a dress.
- limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc.: a modest increase in salary.
adjective
- having or expressing a humble opinion of oneself or one’s accomplishments or abilities
- reserved or shymodest behaviour
- not ostentatious or pretentious
- not extreme or excessive; moderate
- decorous or decent
adj.1560s, “having moderate self-regard,” from Middle French modeste (14c.), from Latin modestus “keeping due measure” (see modesty). Of women, “not improper or lewd,” 1590s; of female attire, 1610s. Of demands, etc., c.1600. Related: Modestly.