modestly accept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modestly accept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is acknowledging a compliment or recognition in a humble manner. Example: "After receiving the award, she chose to modestly accept the praise from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Does it mean that you (modestly) accept the judgment on the grounds that it is settled law?

The Economist

When the condemned prisoner came out, and people started hurling taunts and abuse, I hope that I would be able to come up with something good to yell, not just the usual "You're gonna die!" If I threw a rotten fruit or vegetable at the condemned, and I was lucky enough to hit him, I hope that I wouldn't gloat but would modestly accept the compliments of those around me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It was a risk," he modestly accepts.

The Guardian - Music

He then modestly accepted the congratulations of his opponents for reaching a remarkable contract.

The New York Times - Books

After modestly accepting congratulations from several colleagues (and some ribbing from David Remnick, our editor), I went to my office as usual.

The New Yorker

Instead of risking trouble by protesting that the letters were genuine, Cosey modestly accepted the tribute, and proved himself worthy of it by executing another Lincoln on the spot.

The New Yorker

His fans should be encouraged by his analysis: he modestly accepted that a couple of "monster putts" has given his scorecard a slightly flattering look, and while he's happy with his improving form, he realises he's "still got a ways to go" before he gets back to his best.

The Guardian - Sport

"For all you members of the academy, this esteemed gentleman (the Oscar statue) says that you have given me your recognition," he said modestly in accepting the award in 1986.

Los Angeles Times

However, like every other industry under pressure, banks will reduce their expenses over time, in response to the squeeze on profit margins, and investors in banks will accept modestly lower returns in recognition of the greater safety of their investments in financial institutions.

Huffington Post

Modestly, he won't accept the mantle of Nostradamus of the BBC.

The Guardian

The key to getting out of this dangerous situation is to recognise that there is no inconsistency in asserting that past immigration has been modestly beneficial, while accepting that there is now a good case for curtailing further immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modestly accept", ensure the context involves receiving praise, a compliment, or an award. It emphasizes humility and a lack of arrogance in acknowledging the recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "modestly accept" in situations where the acceptance is unrelated to praise or recognition. For instance, accepting a business deal or an apology isn't typically described as "modestly accepting" it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modestly accept" functions as a verb phrase where the adverb "modestly" modifies the verb "accept". This construction indicates the manner in which someone receives something, typically praise, recognition, or an award. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modestly accept" is a phrase used to convey humility and lack of arrogance when acknowledging praise, recognition, or an award. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a neutral register, often appearing in news and media contexts. While less frequent, it effectively communicates a restrained and humble acknowledgment. Alternatives such as "humbly receive" or "graciously accept" can be used to add slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humbly receive

Replaces "accept" with "receive" and "modestly" with "humbly", emphasizing humility.

graciously accept

Substitutes "modestly" with "graciously", highlighting politeness and kindness in the acceptance.

accept without boasting

Rephrases "modestly accept" to explicitly state the absence of boasting.

take with humility

Uses "take" instead of "accept" and emphasizes the attitude of humility.

receive with reserve

Emphasizes a restrained acceptance, suggesting a degree of caution or formality.

acknowledge modestly

Focuses on the act of acknowledging something in a humble way, rather than outright acceptance.

accept with understatement

Highlights the understated nature of the acceptance.

play down the praise

Shifts the focus to minimizing the praise received rather than accepting it directly.

downplay the compliment

Similar to playing down the praise, but specifically refers to compliments.

understate acceptance

Combines understatement with acceptance to convey a similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "modestly accept" in a sentence?

You can use "modestly accept" when someone is acknowledging a compliment or recognition in a humble manner. For example, "After receiving the award, she chose to "modestly accept" the praise from her peers".

What are some alternatives to "modestly accept"?

You can use alternatives like "humbly receive", "graciously accept", or "accept without boasting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "modestly receive" instead of "modestly accept"?

Yes, "modestly receive" is a valid alternative. It carries a similar meaning, emphasizing humility in receiving something, such as praise or recognition. While both are correct, the most appropriate phrasing depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "modestly accept" and "humbly accept"?

Both "modestly accept" and "humbly accept" convey a sense of humility when receiving something. "Modestly accept" often implies a restrained or understated acknowledgment, while "humbly accept" emphasizes a deeper sense of humility and lack of pride.