modest interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a restrained or conservative understanding of a text, situation, or concept. Example: "In a modest interpretation of the findings, one could argue that the results suggest a slight improvement rather than a significant breakthrough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

(Brantley)20091224 'RAGTIME' Marcia Milgrom Dodge's appealingly modest interpretation of this 1998 musical about early-20th-century American growing pains, adapted from E. L. Doctorow's novel, finds an affecting, uneasy human soul within the work's panoramic sweep.

The New York Times

(Brantley)20091119 'RAGTIME' Marcia Milgrom Dodge's appealingly modest interpretation of this 1998 musical about early-20th-century American growing pains, adapted from E. L. Doctorow's novel, finds an affecting, uneasy human soul within the work's panoramic sweep.

The New York Times

Other proponents of a constitutional deus ex machina have offered a more modest interpretation of the public debt clause, under which only actual default (as opposed to any action that merely increases the risk of default) is impermissible.

The New York Times

When it does not, a more modest interpretation is in order, that views our findings as interesting correlations at best.

SERIEs

Compared to conventional foresight, Adaptive Foresight thus favours a more modest interpretation of the collective ability to "shape the future" and stresses the need to adapt to actions by others.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The UOIF's Mr Breze now says the law should be respected, while calling for a mild interpretation, to allow a modest head-covering.

The Economist

Still, Marcia Milgrom Dodge's appealingly modest new interpretation, which originated at the Kennedy Center in Washington, often finds within this work's panoramic sweep an affecting, uneasy human soul largely missing in the 1998 version.

The New York Times

A steadily swelling audience attended the ensemble's trek, which began at 11 a.m. in Washington Square Park with Gelsey Bell's modest village-band interpretation of "The Park".

The New York Times - Arts

Women, in particular, are targeted if the Ershad decide they are wearing a "bad hijab" - not confirming to their strict interpretation of modest Islamic dress.

Independent

These limitations may impose a modest constraint on the interpretation of these findings, but they should not substantively undermine the internal validity of the study.

BMC Psychiatry

In case of PET/CT scans without need for quantification, intravenous contrast agents may be used directly (i.e. this CT may also be used for attenuation correction purposes) during the PET/CT study because the impact on visual image quality and interpretation is modest.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "modest interpretation" with specific areas of interest to provide context to the user, for instance, "modest interpretation of the data" or "modest interpretation of the law".

Common error

Avoid using "modest interpretation" when the context requires a more assertive or definitive explanation. It's best used when acknowledging uncertainty or limiting the scope of the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest interpretation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'modest' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'interpretation'. It typically serves to describe the nature or scope of an interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest interpretation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a restrained or conservative understanding of a text, situation, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using it, be mindful of the context and avoid overstating the implications. Consider alternatives like "conservative reading" or "restrained explanation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conservative reading

Focuses on a cautious and traditional understanding, emphasizing adherence to established norms.

restrained explanation

Emphasizes the controlled and understated nature of the explanation provided.

unassuming analysis

Highlights the simplicity and lack of pretension in the analytical approach.

limited understanding

Stresses the boundaries and constraints of the comprehension achieved.

qualified assessment

Suggests that the evaluation is tempered with reservations or conditions.

tempered explanation

Implies a moderation or softening of the explanation to avoid exaggeration.

humble assessment

Focuses on a lack of arrogance and a more realistic understanding.

moderate viewpoint

Highlights the balanced and non-extreme perspective being presented.

simple explanation

Underscores that the interpretation is straightforward and easy to understand.

basic understanding

Emphasizes the fundamental and rudimentary nature of the interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest interpretation" to describe a cautious or limited understanding of something. For example, "The researcher offered a "modest interpretation" of the results, acknowledging the study's limitations".

What's a good alternative to "modest interpretation"?

Alternatives include "conservative reading", "restrained explanation", or "limited understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to offer a "modest interpretation"?

Offering a "modest interpretation" means presenting an understanding of something in a restrained or understated way, often acknowledging potential limitations or alternative perspectives.

When is it appropriate to use "modest interpretation" instead of a stronger term?

Use "modest interpretation" when you want to avoid overstating the implications of something or when you want to acknowledge the possibility of other valid interpretations. It's suitable when a stronger term would be too definitive or assertive.