Modestly

How to spell modestly

8 letters · 3 syllables

How to pronounce modestly

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does modestly mean?

1. adverbIn a way that is unassuming, restrained, or only moderate in degree.

Modestly in a sentence

• She dressed modestly for the formal interview.

• He spoke modestly about his promotion, giving credit to his team.

Where does modestly come from?

Language of origin: Latin

This word descends from the Latin modestus, an adjective meaning 'keeping within due measure' or 'restrained', which was itself built on modus, the Latin word for 'measure', 'limit', or 'manner'. The same modus root quietly underlies a surprisingly large family of English words, including 'mode', 'moderate', 'modify', and even 'modulate', all of which carry the idea of staying within bounds or adjusting to a fitting amount. English borrowed 'modest' through French in the sixteenth century, first describing a person who was unassuming about their own merits, and then extending to anything done in a measured, unflashy way. The adverb 'modestly' is simply 'modest' with the ordinary -ly ending attached, which is why the base spelling stays fully intact: keep the 't' of 'modest' and just add '-ly'. Because the root meaning is about measure and limit, 'modestly' has always implied doing something in moderation rather than to excess.

How the word is built

• modest (from Latin modestus: keeping within measure, restrained)
• -ly (adverb suffix)