modestadjective
uk/ˈmɒd.ɪst/us/ˈmɑː.dɪst/modest adjective (NOT LARGE)
B2 not large in size or amount, or not expensive:
They live in a fairly modest house, considering their wealth.
There has been a modest improvement/recovery in housing conditions for the poor.
The party made modest gains in the elections, but nothing like the huge gains that were predicted.
Just a modest portion for me, please.
More examples
- The average cost of a full three-course meal - appetizer, main course and dessert - including tip and a modest wine is about $25.
- There was a modest rise in high-street spending last month.
- The car has enjoyed modest success since its launch, but the Mark 2 version is expected to be far more popular.
- We consumed a modest amount of food.
- His earnings were fairly modest.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Small
- baby
- bijou
- bite-sized
- claustrophobic
- compact
- diminutive
- dinky
- on the large, small, etc. side idiom
- petite
- pint-sized
- pocket handkerchief
- pocket-sized
- poky
- portable
- shrunken
- side
- skimpy
- undersized
- wee
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Costing little or no money
Small in number and quantity
modest adjective (QUIETLY SUCCESSFUL)
C1 approving not usually talking about or making obvious your own abilities and achievements:
He's very modest about his achievements.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Shy and modest
- aw shucks
- backward
- bashful
- be backward in coming forward idiom
- coy
- efface
- inadequacy
- inadequate
- inhibited
- inhibition
- introvert
- reticent
- self-effacing
- selfless
- shrinking violet
- shy
- shyly
- shyness
- withdraw
- withdrawal
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modest adjective (CLOTHES/BEHAVIOUR)
used to describe something, such as a woman's clothes or behaviour, that is intended to avoid attracting sexual interest:
a modest walk/manner
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Style & appearance of clothes
- backless
- baggy
- bespoke
- black tie
- bootcut
- half-sleeve
- hang
- ill-fitting
- knitted
- low-cut
- preppy
- ruck
- S, s
- scantily
- scoop-neck
- sequin
- skintight
- tweedy
- white-tie
- wraparound
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Shy and modest
modestly
adverb uk/ˈmɒd.ɪst.li/us/ˈmɑː.dɪst.li/
C1
At just $9, the DVD is very modestly priced.
She was dressed modestly.