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 diffidence2: arising from or characteristic of a modest nature3: observing the proprieties of dress and behavior : decent4 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