Main Entry: mod·est

Pronunciation: \ˈmä-dəst\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin modestus moderate; akin to Latin modus measure

Date: 1565

1 a : placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth b : neither bold nor self-assertive : tending toward diffidence
2 : arising from or characteristic of a modest nature
3 : observing the proprieties of dress and behavior : decent
4 a : limited in size, amount, or scope <a family of modest means> b : unpretentious <a modest home>

synonyms see shy, chaste

— mod·est·ly adverb