/ ˈmɒdɪst; NAmE ˈmɑːd-/ adjective
1.
not very large, expensive, important, etc. :
modest improvements / reforms
He charged a relatively modest fee.
a modest little house
The research was carried out on a modest scale.
2.
( approving ) not talking much about your own abilities or possessions :
She's very modest about her success.
You're too modest!
OPP immodest
3.
( of people, especially women, or their clothes ) shy about showing much of the body; not intended to attract attention, especially in a sexual way
SYN demure :
a modest dress
OPP immodest
► mod·est·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from French modeste , from Latin modestus keeping due measure, related to modus measure.