extraordinarily modest

USAGE SUMMARY

'extraordinarily modest' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is seen as surprisingly unassuming or humble. For example, "I was surprised by his extraordinarily modest attitude towards his accomplishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But, if that suggests he was a flaming firebrand, I can only say that he was, in my personal contacts with him, an extraordinarily modest and courteous man.

The Guardian

He was an extraordinarily modest man, and I wondered if he had interpreted Hal's long silence as a sign that he was no longer needed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The victories that we achieved were extraordinarily modest: you know, getting a job-training site set up or getting an after-school program for young people put in place".

The New Yorker

He said she was extraordinarily modest and until recently, most congregants at St . Barnabas the Encourager Evangelical Covenant Churchwere unaware that their longest-serving Sunday school teacher was a Supreme Court justice.

The New York Times

In the pre-DDT era, when inorganic chemicals were applied in quantities that would seem extraordinarily modest today, strains of insects emerged here and there that could survive spraying or dusting.

The New Yorker

The pinnacle had probably been the 1948 "Invincibles" tour of England, when Morris (on his first overseas cricket tour) finished at the head of the batting, though some of his later achievements added significantly to the honours board of this extraordinarily modest man.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In 1966, Ms. Houlton, whose work appeared under her maiden name, Peggy Mann, published "The Street of the Flower Boxes," based on her and her husband's experience encouraging children on their block to assemble, decorate and sell flower boxes to their neighbors, providing a modest yet extraordinarily effective lift to the neighborhood — perhaps shockingly so, to today's cynical eyes.

The New York Times

His closeups were intensely close and ominous; he probed every corner of his modest sets with extraordinarily long and elaborate tracking shots.

The New Yorker

In such endeavors, even modest investments can yield extraordinarily quick and large returns.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite his achievements, Steve was always modest and softspoken, and he was extraordinarily loyal and dedicated to the museum and the people who worked for him.

The New York Times

During his time at the Stadio Friuli, he made stars of Alexis Sánchez, Juan Cuadrado and Gökhan Inler (who all arrived on modest fees) and made the team extraordinarily difficult to beat.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone with "extraordinarily modest" qualities, provide specific examples of their behavior to support your claim. This adds credibility and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinarily modest" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "remarkably unassuming" or "exceptionally humble".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinarily modest" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the degree or extent of someone's modesty. It intensifies the adjective "modest", indicating a surprising or exceptional level of humility, as exemplified by Ludwig in several instances where it describes people's behavior and attitude.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraordinarily modest" is a phrase used to describe a surprising or notable level of humility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The analysis reveals that it functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "modest". While not overly frequent, it appears across several categories, especially in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sport contexts, which indicates its versatile application. The related phrases such as "exceptionally humble" or "remarkably unassuming" provide alternative ways to convey a similar sentiment. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and audience to ensure the intended impact of emphasizing someone's unexpected humility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally humble

Replaces "modest" with "humble", emphasizing a sense of low self-regard or meekness.

genuinely humble

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the person's modesty.

remarkably unassuming

Substitutes "modest" with "unassuming", highlighting a lack of ostentation or pretension.

strikingly unpretentious

Replaces both words to emphasize the absence of any attempt to impress others.

unusually self-effacing

Focuses on the act of making oneself less noticeable or important, a form of modesty.

outstandingly self-deprecating

Highlights a specific type of modesty where someone jokes about their own flaws.

extremely demure

Shifts the focus to a quiet and reserved manner, often associated with modesty.

singularly unostentatious

Emphasizes the lack of display or showiness.

notably reserved

Highlights restraint in expression or behavior, a component of modesty.

surprisingly simple

Focuses on the simplicity of someone's lifestyle or preferences, reflecting a lack of extravagance.

FAQs

How can I use "extraordinarily modest" in a sentence?

You can use "extraordinarily modest" to describe someone's behavior or attitude, as in: "Despite his fame, he remained an "extraordinarily modest" man."

What are some alternatives to "extraordinarily modest"?

Some alternatives include "exceptionally humble", "remarkably unassuming", or "strikingly unpretentious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "very modest" or "extraordinarily modest"?

"Extraordinarily modest" emphasizes a higher degree of modesty than "very modest". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intensity of the person's humility.

Can "extraordinarily modest" be used in a negative context?

While typically positive, "extraordinarily modest" could be used ironically to imply that someone is being overly or falsely humble. However, this usage is less common.