See Also: modest(medicine)
modest(dictionary)
modest(dictionary)
Moussorgsky, Modest(dictionary)
Mussorgsky, Modest(dictionary)
Mussorgsky, Modest (Petrovich)(encyclopedia)

modest (iou)



modest adjective. M16.
[Old & mod. French modeste from Latin modestus keeping due measure, from base of MODERATE verb + pa. ppl suffix.]
Having a moderate or humble estimate of one's own abilities or merits; unassuming, diffident, bashful; not bold or forward. Of an action, attribute, etc.: proceeding from or indicating such qualities. M16.
J. F. Lehmann Leonard..sat in modest silence, with lowered eyes. B. Pym He was too modest to believe that Penelope could have fallen in love with him.
b. fig. Of a thing: apparently shy of observation, not conspicuous. L18.
R. Burns Wee, modest, crimson-tipped flow'r.
Well-conducted, orderly; not harsh or domineering. L16-M17.
Decorous in manner and conduct; scrupulously avoiding impropriety or indecency; reserved in sexual matters. L16.
C. C. Trench There was nothing modest or delicate in her approach to sex. L. Cody She didn't think she was excessively modest, it was just that there were some things you got used to doing in private.
Not excessive, not exaggerated, moderate; limited, restrained, slight; unpretentious in size, quantity, appearance, etc.; undistinguished on the social or economic scale; not lavish or wealthy. E17.
I. McEwan These were modest, achievable tasks. K. Waterhouse Colchester Place Mansions is an altogether more modest establishmentno more than a converted house. T. K. Wolfe This was a modest sum compared to what other people spent. H. R. Landon The father had a very modest position as a bass-singer at the Mannheim court.
modestly adverb M16.