释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024mod•est /ˈmɑdɪst/USA pronunciation adj. - having or showing a moderate opinion of one's merits, importance, etc.;
not boasting:She was very modest about the award. - free from obvious displays of showiness:a modest house in the country.
- showing regard for the decencies of behavior, dress, etc.:She was too modest to wear a revealing swimsuit in public.
- limited in amount, extent, etc.:a modest salary.
mod•est•ly, adv.: He answered modestly that a team effort had helped him win the award. WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024mod•est (mod′ist),USA pronunciation adj. - 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.
- *medos, with the vowel of modus; compare moderārī to moderate, from the same noun, nominal stem) + -tus adjective, adjectival suffix
- Latin modestus restrained, decorous, equivalent. to modes- (stem of *modus, an s- stem akin to modus mode1, perh.
- 1555–65
mod′est•ly, adv. - 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged retiring, unassuming.
- 1, 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged unpretentious, unobtrusive.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged pure, virtuous. Modest, demure, prudish imply conformity to propriety and decorum, and a distaste for anything coarse or loud. Modest implies a becoming shyness, sobriety, and proper behavior:a modest, self-respecting person.Demure implies a bashful, quiet simplicity, staidness, and decorum; but can also indicate an assumed or affected modesty:a demure young chorus girl.Prudish suggests an exaggeratedly self-conscious modesty or propriety in behavior or conversation of one who wishes to be thought of as easily shocked and who often is intolerant:a prudish objection to a harmless remark.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged bold, coarse.
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