mod|est

mod|est «MOD ihst», adjective.

1. not thinking too highly of oneself; not vain; humble: »

In spite of the honors he received, the scientist remained a modest man.

SYNONYM(S): unpretentious, unassuming.

2. bashful; shy; held back by a sense of what is fit and proper; not bold or forward: »

a modest girl, modest pride. The Victorian definition of a modest woman is clearly outmoded.

SYNONYM(S): diffident.

3. a) not calling attention to one's body; decent: »

a modest bathing suit.

b) having or showing decency of actions or thoughts: »

modest behavior.

4. not too great; not asking too much: »

a modest request.

5. not conspicuous; not gaudy; humble in appearance; quiet: »

a modest little house, modest decorations.

╂[< Latin modestus in due measure, moderate < modus measure]

–mod´est|ly, adverb.

Synonym Study 2 Modest, demure mean not bold or forward. Modest emphasizes a sense of what is fit and proper, a holding back from calling attention to oneself: »

I like a modest girl, who is neither shy nor loud.

Demure often suggests undue modesty or pretended shyness thought to be attractive and put on for effect: »

She sipped her soda and looked demure.