a modest disposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest disposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is humble or not overly assertive in their behavior or attitude. Example: "Her modest disposition made her well-liked among her peers, as she never sought the spotlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At La Giocosa only those who had both talent and a modest disposition were accepted; wealth was neither necessary nor sufficient to gain admission.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eventually, Benny Avni was elected head of the Tel Ilan District Council, where he was widely liked, owing to his attentive ear and modest disposition.

The New Yorker

While he and American swimmer Lilly King have caused a stir for their celebratory and delightfully shame-y finger-wagging after their victories, Ledecky maintained her signature modest disposition after her Friday win.

Huffington Post

Fanny, the eldest, is of a quiet, modest, unshowy disposition, somewhat given to indolence, which is her greatest fault, but sober, observing, peculiarly clear and distinct in the faculty of memory, and disposed to exercise her own thoughts and follow her own judgment.

Wikipedia

A modest, ascetic man of generous disposition, he could appreciate de Kooning ("the tremendous and vital energy of his struggle," Stout wrote in his journal) but declined to feel any influence himself.

The New York Times

The binding of IPTG to native (tetrameric) LacI oDNA complexes also appears to facilitate a modest change in the average homodimer homodimer disposition.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Without a severity assessment tool validated to predict the need for admission in bronchiolitis, unmeasured but uneven distribution of factors that influence disposition can confound a modest, yet important treatment effect.

Academic Emergency Medicine

In these studies, afucosylated trastuzumab displayed moderately altered pharmacokinetic dispositions compared with trastuzumab, slightly faster elimination from the circulation, and a modest reduction in half-life (Junttila et al. 2010).

Glycobiology

Their disposition, combined with the need to make quick, accurate casts and a seductive retrieve, guarantee most anglers a modest success ratio.

The New York Times - Sports

Take a modest proposal.

The Guardian

Here's a modest proposal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character, use "a modest disposition" to highlight their humility and lack of arrogance. This phrase adds a layer of sophistication to character descriptions, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a modest disposition" equates to a lack of strength or capability. Modesty is about humility, not incompetence. Ensure the context clarifies that the person's abilities are not diminished by their modest nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest disposition" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically used to describe a person's character or temperament. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest disposition" describes someone with humility and a lack of arrogance, suitable for formal and sophisticated writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not overly common, with only a few examples available, this phrase effectively conveys a refined and unassuming character. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and doesn't imply weakness. Related phrases include ""humble nature"" and ""reserved personality"". By avoiding common errors and understanding its nuances, you can confidently incorporate "a modest disposition" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a humble nature

Focuses on the inherent quality of humility rather than outward behavior.

a demure character

Emphasizes shyness and reserve, especially in women.

a reserved personality

Highlights the tendency to keep emotions and thoughts private.

a self-effacing manner

Stresses the act of downplaying one's own achievements or qualities.

an unassuming attitude

Indicates a lack of pretension or arrogance.

a low-key demeanor

Suggests a relaxed and understated approach to life.

a quiet temperament

Highlights a calm and reserved nature.

a gentle spirit

Emphasizes kindness and mildness in one's character.

a subdued presence

Indicates a restrained and understated way of interacting with others.

a retiring nature

Highlights a preference for solitude and avoiding attention.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a modest disposition" in a sentence?

Use "a modest disposition" to describe someone who is humble and not overly assertive. For example, "Despite her talent, she maintained "a modest disposition", which made her a favorite among her colleagues".

What are some alternative ways to describe someone with "a modest disposition"?

You can use alternatives like "humble nature", "reserved personality", or "self-effacing manner" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a modest disposition" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a modest disposition" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a refined way to describe someone who is humble and unassuming. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.

What is the difference between "a modest disposition" and "a shy demeanor"?

"A modest disposition" refers to humility and a lack of arrogance, whereas "a shy demeanor" describes someone who is reserved and uncomfortable in social situations. While someone with "a modest disposition" may also be shy, the two are not necessarily the same.