modest smile

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest smile" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is smiling but not appear overly enthusiastic or excited. For example, "She greeted him with a modest smile".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A modest smile perhaps.

The Guardian

Later, on the podium, there was a modest smile.

The Guardian - Sport

Nothing but a modest smile, and a back-to-business resumption of play.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon Mr. Rayman, a soft-spoken man with a modest smile, was experimenting with his own tricks.

The New York Times

With his tall, spare frame, dry humour, modest smile and incisive questions Manton had a catalytic effect on any meeting or gathering.

The Guardian

Indeed I was, I replied with a modest smile, looking over to the Moll for the mocking smile that usually greeted these occasional little boosts to my ego.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Here he was, this quiet, modest, smiling old man, who never took any credit for amazing inspiration he gave to countless people.

The Washington Post

"From his understated gestures to his cocky-modest smile, from his twirl of the club as a perfect shot hangs in mid-flight to the image Sunday evening of his huge hug with his father beside the 18th green at Congressional Country Club, he makes us think, 'There's the real thing'".

BBC

But those small smiles, hinted smiles, half smiles — flirtatious, or modest, or just inviting smiles — come to them as naturally as the first babbled words.

The New Yorker

The troops smile, modest and delighted.

The New Yorker

Expressions of humility such as a slight smile, modest dress or eyes directed downward show characteristics of self-regulation, forgiveness and modesty— or the virtue of temperance.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest smile" to portray characters who are not overtly expressive or who are trying to downplay their emotions or achievements. It's effective in creating a sense of humility or understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "modest smile" excessively, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your descriptions of smiles with other adjectives to provide a more nuanced portrayal of emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest smile" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (smile) with an adjective (modest). It describes the quality or character of the smile. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest smile" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a descriptive phrase, portraying a smile that is subdued, humble, or reserved. It appears most frequently in news, media, and literary contexts. Alternatives such as "unassuming smile", "subtle smile", or "slight smile" can provide similar nuances. It's a valuable phrase for portraying characters or situations with subtlety and understatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unassuming smile

Emphasizes the lack of pretension or arrogance in the smile.

subtle smile

Highlights the understated nature of the smile.

reserved smile

Focuses on the controlled and restrained nature of the smile.

gentle smile

Suggests a kind and mild expression.

slight smile

Emphasizes the smallness or barely perceptible quality of the smile.

faint smile

Indicates a smile that is weak or indistinct.

small smile

Highlights the physical size of the smile.

restrained smile

Focuses on the controlled nature of the smile, implying an effort to hold back a stronger emotion.

humble smile

Indicates a smile that is not boastful or proud.

quiet smile

Suggests a peaceful and unobtrusive smile.

FAQs

What does "modest smile" mean?

A "modest smile" refers to a smile that is not overly enthusiastic or broad. It often suggests humility, reserve, or a lack of boastfulness.

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

You can use "modest smile" to describe someone's reaction or expression, such as: "She accepted the award with a "modest smile"".

What can I say instead of "modest smile"?

You can use alternatives like "subtle smile", "slight smile", or "reserved smile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "modest smile" and "faint smile"?

While both describe subdued smiles, "modest smile" often implies humility or a lack of pretension, while "faint smile" suggests the smile is weak or barely visible. The best choice depends on the specific context.