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Definition modest in British English

modest adjective

adjective
/ˈmɒdɪst/

▪ comparatively, fairly, quite, rather, relatively, suitably, surprisingly, very

1

fairly small, especially when compared with other things of the same type

Example

The engine has a very modest oil consumption.

Example

His income was modest compared with that of other chief executives.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

fairly good or successful, but not excellent

Example

There has been a modest increase in sales.

Example

She has had some modest success with her short stories.

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1.2

a modest building is not large or expensive

Example

They grew up in a relatively modest house in New Jersey.

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2

a modest person does not like to talk about themselves, their achievements, or their abilities, even if they are successful

Example

Peter is genuinely modest about his achievements.

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3

feeling shy or embarrassed about other people seeing your body

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3.1

modest behaviour or clothes are intended to avoid causing sexual feelings in other people: used mainly about women

Synonyms and related words
Definition modest in British English