modestly

Everyday

1. Without boasting about your own skills or successes: she smiled modestly. tree →
2. Not much; to a small or fair amount: prices rose modestly. tree →
3. In a way that does not show much of the body: dressed modestly. tree →
4. Simply, not expensively: they live modestly. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «modestly» describes a humble hero who doesn't show off. In news and maths-type talk, «modestly» means a small change: «sales grew modestly». In everyday life it can describe simple living or clothing. Phrases: live modestly, modestly priced, modestly dressed.

Examples

• «It was nothing,» she said modestly, after scoring three goals. tree →
• The house was modestly furnished. tree →
• Prices rose modestly this year. tree →
• He modestly thanked his team for the win. tree →
• The family lived modestly on a small farm. tree →
• She dressed modestly for the visit to the temple. tree →
• Modestly priced snacks are on sale at the fair. tree →

Note

Adverb of «modest». Noun: modesty. In maths reports «rose modestly» means a small increase, not a large one. Opposite in sense 1: boastfully.