modest
Definitions
Not boastful about one's abilities or achievements; humble.
谦逊的，不自夸的。
Not large in size, amount, or degree; moderate.
不大的，适中的（数量/规模）。
Decent and not intended to attract attention, especially in dress or behavior.
（衣着、举止）端庄的，不张扬的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin modestus 'keeping within measure.' All three senses share one image: not overstepping the proper limit — modest about yourself (humble), modest in amount (small), modest in dress (not showy). See mod.
Root mod still carries 17 more wordsWhy It Means This
The connecting thread is restraint, not weakness. A modest person doesn't downplay everything out of nerves — they choose not to boast. A modest salary is small but the word adds 'unpretentious, reasonable,' not just 'tiny.' This is why 'a modest house' sounds humble and decent, while 'a small house' is purely about size.
Common Collocations
- 1.modest improvement小幅改善
- 2.modest home朴素的家
- 3.remain modest保持谦逊
- 4.modest increase小幅增长
- 5.modest proposal不大的提议
Example Sentences
- 1.
Despite her success, she remained remarkably modest.
- 2.
They live in a modest house on the edge of town.
- 3.
Sales rose by a modest three percent this quarter.
Easily Confused
modest vs humble vs shy — Modest is not boasting about real merit; humble is a low view of your own importance (sometimes self-deprecating); shy is being uneasy around people. A confident person can be modest, but a shy person isn't necessarily modest.