modest
UK[ˈmɒdɪst]US[ˈmɑːdɪst]
adj
Not large in amount, size, etc.
adj
Not talking much about your own abilities or possessions; not vain.
adj
Shy about showing your body, especially because you are worried about what people will think of it.
Morpheme Breakdown
mod
est
mod
measure, manner
est
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'modest' entered English in the mid-16th century from French 'modeste', which itself came from Latin 'modestus'. The Latin term derives from 'modus', meaning 'measure' or 'limit'. The core logic of the word is built upon the concept of staying within proper limits or measure—whether in behavior, appearance, or ambition. This literal sense of measured restraint evolved into the modern abstract meanings of humility, unpretentiousness, and moderation in size or amount.
Analysis
Structure: mod (measure, manner) + est (adjective suffix)
'mod' originates from Latin 'modus', meaning measure, manner, or limit. 'est' is a common English adjective-forming suffix derived from Latin '-istis' or '-estis'.
Examples
They live in a modest house in the suburbs.
She is very modest about her achievements.
The proposal was met with modest approval from the committee.