modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'modest' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is not too proud and does not show off or boast about achievements or possessions. For example, "The young scientist was very successful, but he remained modest about his accomplishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Logistical and financial issues forced the city council to cancel the plans and come up with something far more modest.

The Guardian - Travel

Brands, as he pointed out, were far more than memorable names for modest little things in tins and packets, advertised in traditional mass media.

The Guardian

There is also deep concern that more than four years after Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup, the country's minister of labour has admitted that there is no set timetable to introduce even the modest reforms it promised in May 2014.

The Guardian

The keyword component was simply a box listing keywords associated with the article, but to get even to that modest point was a long journey.

The Guardian

In Sicily, a principal transit point for Italy, cash-strapped local authorities have struggled to offer even the most modest shelter.

The Guardian

At a meeting to launch the report at the Royal Society today, the government's chief scientific adviser John Beddington said the government should be thinking about a modest investment in geoengineering research.

The Guardian

A senior Berlin official has said that assurances could be introduced during modest treaty revisions to ensure that the interests of Britain and other non-euro members are protected in the European single market.

The Guardian

Among the cheapest properties, for overseas students of more modest means, is a £275-a-week bedsit in Egerton Garden Mews, but it's so small tenants will have to climb a ladder to get to the "raised bed area".

The Guardian - Money

Afterwards he was modest: "My team-mates were kind to me," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

It was from this modest upbringing that the former Texas governor said he came to understand the "unshakeable family bond" and importance of giving back to the community.

The Guardian

Miliband was right about that bit and a high-flying ex-banker like Javid, even one from a modest Oldham background, could not be expected to understand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "modest", ensure the context reflects genuine humility and not a false pretense, which can be perceived negatively. Use it to highlight admirable self-awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "modest" to describe efforts or actions that require significant impact. For instance, a "modest" attempt to solve a large-scale problem might suggest a lack of seriousness or commitment.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "modest" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of excessive pride or pretension, or to denote something limited in size or scope. Ludwig AI supports this interpretation by showcasing numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "modest" is a versatile term used to describe humility, lack of pretension, or limitations in size or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing it appears frequently in diverse contexts like news, sports, and business. While generally neutral in register, its impact can vary depending on the context. It is important to not mistake "modest" for insufficient when the situation requires strength and impact, but "modest" should express genuine humbleness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unassuming

Focuses on the lack of pretension or showiness, emphasizing a quiet and understated nature.

humble

Highlights a low view of one's own importance, emphasizing a lack of arrogance.

unpretentious

Focuses on the absence of artificiality or affectation, emphasizing genuineness and sincerity.

reserved

Suggests a restrained and quiet demeanor, often implying a lack of boastfulness.

low-key

Implies a subtle and understated approach, often suggesting a desire to avoid attention.

understated

Emphasizes the subtle and refined quality of something, suggesting a deliberate avoidance of exaggeration.

simple

Emphasizes a lack of complexity or extravagance, focusing on plainness and basic qualities.

moderate

Indicates a middle ground or average level, suggesting a balanced or tempered quality.

restrained

Highlights the controlled and measured nature of something, indicating a lack of excess.

inoffensive

Focuses on the non-controversial or harmless nature of something, highlighting its lack of obtrusiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "modest" in a sentence?

You can use "modest" to describe someone who doesn't brag about their achievements, like in "She remained "modest" despite her success". It can also describe something small or moderate, such as "They live in a "modest" home".

What's the difference between "modest" and "humble"?

While both words describe a lack of arrogance, "modest" often refers to downplaying one's achievements, whereas "humble" implies a lower view of one's own importance. "Modest" is about presentation, while "humble" is about internal perspective.

What can I say instead of "modest" when describing a person?

Alternatives include "unassuming", "humble", or "unpretentious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of not being boastful.

Is it correct to say someone has a "modest proposal"?

Yes, "modest proposal" is grammatically correct, but it can be misinterpreted. While "modest" usually means humble or small, in the context of Jonathan Swift's satirical essay "A "Modest Proposal"", it's used ironically to suggest something shocking and outrageous.