modest dinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'modest dinner' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a dinner that is simple and not overly luxurious or extravagant. For example, "My family was content with a modest dinner of grilled steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Our modest dinner for three cost $25.70.

The New York Times - Travel

"I think we'll have a modest dinner," she says, admitting that partying is not the main thing on her mind right now.

The Guardian - Business

While most of us make do with simply hanging in there, cookery schools across the country are noticing a rush to learn kitchen skills from modest dinner party cooks to those in search of a cordon bleu career.

Independent

After vespers, which lasts for 90 minutes or so, there is a modest dinner, also eaten in silence, and then two hours of free time before sleep, reading or talking with brothers.

The New York Times

A modest dinner for three of pizza and salad at Tosca, a restaurant in central Rome, that cost about $40 last week would have come closer to $52 just a year before.

The New York Times

The ones who are coupled, mostly, are having modest dinner out, or at home with the person who doesn't usually cook in charge.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The towering prices at wildly luxurious restaurants like Per Se and Masa in New York and Alinea in Chicago have set a new price in the collective dining consciousness for a truly top meal, nudging up what diners will pay for far more modest dinners.

The New York Times - Food

One group of researchers in Israel found in studies that overweight adults lost more weight and had greater improvements in blood sugar, insulin and cardiovascular risk factors when they ate a large breakfast, modest lunch and small dinner compared to the opposite: A small breakfast and a large dinner.

The New York Times - Health

For example, a big hedge-fund charity, Absolute Return for Kids, is planning a more modest annual dinner this year because the industry has shrunk.

The Economist

We'd have some modest, healthful dinner and then watch a movie, and then it would seem like there was nothing else to do.

The New Yorker

In Tables for Two, Amelia Lester calls the modest but lovely dinner service at Iris Café Store #9 the best-kept secret in Brooklyn Heights.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest dinner" when you want to convey a sense of simplicity, humility, or economy in the context of a meal. It's suitable for describing both the setting and the food itself.

Common error

Avoid using "modest dinner" in highly formal or business-oriented contexts where a more neutral term like "simple meal" might be more appropriate. Overuse can sometimes sound too self-deprecating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest dinner" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'modest' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'dinner'. It describes the characteristics of the dinner, indicating its simplicity and lack of extravagance. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest dinner" describes a meal that is simple, unpretentious, and economical. It is grammatically correct and adaptable to various contexts, although it may be less suitable for formal business settings. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase frequently appears in news and media sources, reflecting its neutral register and wide applicability. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "simple dinner" or "light dinner" to best convey the intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple dinner

Focuses on the simplicity of the meal rather than its size or cost.

unassuming dinner

Emphasizes the lack of pretension or showiness in the meal.

humble repast

Uses more formal language to describe a simple meal.

frugal dinner

Highlights the cost-saving aspect of the meal.

light dinner

Focuses on the quantity of food served.

small dinner

Emphasizes the portion size of the dinner.

basic dinner

Indicates that the meal consists of essential or fundamental components.

plain dinner

Highlights the lack of ornamentation or complexity in the meal.

inexpensive dinner

Directly relates to the low cost of the meal.

economical dinner

Highlights the resourcefulness of the dinner by being cost saving.

FAQs

What does "modest dinner" mean?

A "modest dinner" refers to a meal that is simple, unpretentious, and not extravagant. It implies a dinner that is economical and without lavish ingredients or preparation.

What can I say instead of "modest dinner"?

You can use alternatives like "simple dinner", "light dinner", or "frugal dinner" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe a dinner party as a "modest dinner"?

Yes, describing a dinner party as a "modest dinner" is appropriate if the gathering is small, informal, and doesn't involve elaborate preparations or expensive ingredients. It suggests a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.

How does "modest dinner" compare to "meager dinner"?

"Modest dinner" implies simplicity and lack of extravagance, while "meager dinner" suggests a dinner that is insufficient or deficient in quantity or quality. "Modest" is less negative than "meager".