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nounnounadjective

el modesto

modest

Persona que no presume de sus logros o cualidades y no busca llamar la atención.

Definition & meaning

The word modesto is an adjective used to describe someone or something that lacks vanity, pretension, or luxury. It has several nuances depending on the context:

  1. Humble or Unassuming: When describing a person, it refers to someone who does not boast about their merits, successes, or possessions. It characterizes an individual who acts with humility.
  2. Simple or Unadorned: When describing an object, place, or lifestyle, it indicates that it is plain, basic, and lacks luxury or ostentation. For example, a "modesta vivienda" is a simple, humble home.
  3. Moderate or Small: It can also refer to quantities, sizes, or prices that are limited or not excessive. A "modesto estipendio" would refer to a small or moderate salary.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • modesto is an adjective.
  • It must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes:
    • modesto (Masculine singular)
    • modesta (Feminine singular)
    • modestos (Masculine plural)
    • modestas (Feminine plural)

Word origin: The word comes from the Latin modestus, which means "keeping due measure" or "moderate." This is derived from modus, meaning "measure" or "manner." It shares the same root as the English word "modest."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • humilde: Someone who does not think they are better than others.
  • sencillo: Something simple or a person who is natural and unaffected.
  • recatado: Someone who is shy, modest, or decent in behavior.
  • moderado: Something that is kept within reasonable limits.

Antonyms:

  • soberbio: Someone who is proud or arrogant.
  • arrogante: Someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance.
  • lujoso: Something that is expensive, comfortable, and full of luxury.
  • pretencioso: Someone who tries to appear more important or talented than they actually are.

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Examples

Es importante ser modesto en la vida.adjective

It is important to be modest in life.

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