modesto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “modesto” mean?
Unassuming or humble in behavior, attitude, or self-estimation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Unassuming or humble in behavior, attitude, or self-estimation; not vain or boastful.
1. Moderate or limited in size, amount, or extent (e.g., a modest income). 2. Shy or reserved, especially regarding one's body or sexuality; decent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The 'decent/shamefast' connotation is slightly more archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Generally positive for character (humble, unpretentious). Neutral for scale (small, not excessive).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “modesto” in a Sentence
be modest about [something]modest in [size/approach/etc.]too modest to [do something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modesto” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He lived modestly on his pension.
- She dressed modestly for the interview.
American English
- The CEO lives surprisingly modestly.
- Please state your claims modestly in the first draft.
adjective
British English
- He was too modest to mention his award.
- They live in a modest terraced house in Leeds.
- She made a modest suggestion for improving the process.
American English
- She's very modest about her accomplishments.
- They asked for a modest increase in their budget.
- The project began with modest goals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe conservative forecasts, budgets, or growth (e.g., 'modest quarterly gains').
Academic
Describes limited claims in research or a scholar's demeanor (e.g., 'a modest contribution to the field').
Everyday
Common for describing people's behavior, homes, salaries, or expectations.
Technical
Rare in highly technical contexts, except perhaps in economics for 'modest inflation'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modesto”
- Using 'modest' to mean 'stylish' or 'fashionable' (false friend error). Confusing 'modest' (adjective) with 'modesty' (noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally positive when describing a person's character (humble). It is neutral when describing size or amount (not large).
They are close synonyms. 'Humble' can more strongly imply low social rank or a conscious effort to lower oneself. 'Modest' often refers to a natural lack of pretention or boastfulness.
Yes, it can describe clothing that is not revealing, covering the body decently (e.g., 'a modest dress'). This usage is somewhat formal.
The noun form is 'modesty' (e.g., 'She accepted the compliment with modesty').
Unassuming or humble in behavior, attitude, or self-estimation.
Modesto is usually formal to neutral in register.
Modesto: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒd.ɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.dɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Modest to a fault (excessively modest).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine MODE + EST. A person in the 'most' (est) simple 'mode' of behavior is MODEST.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL IS HUMBLE / LARGE IS ARROGANT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'modest' LEAST likely to be used?