Meaning & Definition of Modest in English

1. Marked by simplicity

• Having a humble opinion of yourself

• "A modest apartment"

• "Too modest to wear his medals"

2. Not large but sufficient in size or amount

• "A modest salary"

• "Modest inflation"

• "Helped in my own small way"

3. Free from pomp or affectation

• "Comfortable but modest cottages"

• "A simple rectangular brick building"

• "A simple man with simple tastes"

4. Not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance

5. Low or inferior in station or quality

• "A humble cottage"

• "A lowly parish priest"

• "A modest man of the people"

• "Small beginnings"

6. Humble in spirit or manner

• Suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness

• "Meek and self-effacing"

7. Limited in size or scope

• "A small business"

• "A newspaper with a modest circulation"

• "Small-scale plans"

• "A pocket-size country"