— modestly , adv.
/mod"ist/ , adj.
1. having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.
2. free from ostentation or showy extravagance: a modest house.
3. having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent: a modest neckline on a dress.
4. limited or moderate in amount, extent, etc.: a modest increase in salary.
[ 1555-65; modestus restrained, decorous, equiv. to modes- (s. of * modus, an s- stem akin to modus MODE 1 , perh. medos, with the vowel of modus; cf. moderari to MODERATE, from the same n. stem) + -tus adj. suffix ]
Syn. 1. retiring, unassuming. 1, 2 . unpretentious, unobtrusive. 3. pure, virtuous. MODEST, DEMURE, PRUDISH imply conformity to propriety and decorum, and a distaste for anything coarse or loud. MODEST implies a becoming shyness, sobriety, and proper behavior: a modest, self-respecting person. DEMURE implies a bashful, quiet simplicity, staidness, and decorum; but can also indicate an assumed or affected modesty: a demure young chorus girl. PRUDISH suggests an exaggeratedly self-conscious modesty or propriety in behavior or conversation of one who wishes to be thought of as easily shocked and who often is intolerant: a prudish objection to a harmless remark.
Ant. 3. bold, coarse.