Modest

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈmɑdəst/

Definitions

1. Reflecting a humble view of oneself and one's talents
2. Having a limited extent, size, or amount that is moderate and not excessive ; showing humility or reserve about one's own qualities or achievements without arrogance
3. Characterized by simplicity or moderation in amount or appearance ; being unassuming or discreet about one's own accomplishments or qualities

Etymology: Latin "modestus" meant "keeping within measure," and it grew from "modus," "measure" or "limit," the same root behind words like "mode" and "moderate." The original sense was less about humility than about restraint: a modest person was one who stayed within proper bounds, neither excessive nor showy. Over time the word took on a moral flavour, so that to be modest came to mean not overstating oneself, especially about one's own worth. The term came into English through Middle French "modeste," which carried the same range of meanings, so English speakers inherited both the sense of moderation in size or amount and the sense of humility in character. The two senses still sit side by side today: a modest house is simply not large or grand, while a modest person is not boastful. Both trace back to the idea of measure, a line one does not cross.

Synonyms: humble, unassuming, moderate, reserved, simple

Antonyms: arrogant, proud, immodest, conceited, flashy