English Dictionary |
MODESTLY
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
IPA (US): |
Dictionary entry overview: What does modestly mean?
• MODESTLY (adverb)
The adverb MODESTLY has 1 sense:
1. with modesty; in a modest manner
Familiarity information: MODESTLY used as an adverb is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
With modesty; in a modest manner
Context example:
the dissertation was entitled, modestly, 'Remarks about a play by Shakespeare'
Antonym:
immodestly (without modesty; in an immodest manner)
Pertainym:
modest (marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself)
Context examples
We transported the shellfish, or the “relish” as Mr. Peggotty had modestly called it, up into our room unobserved, and made a great supper that evening.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
"These things are always seen and felt in a person's manner and conversations, if modestly used, but it is not necessary to display them," said Mrs. March.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
“Ask him!” said Aylward modestly, nodding towards Black Simon.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“I hope I am not ungrateful, aunt,” said Fanny modestly.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Modestly selective for COX-2, this agent binds to the enzyme, thereby inactivating it.
(Nimesulide, NCI Thesaurus)
I have again and again intimated that I desire the hair to be arranged closely, modestly, plainly.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
"For my part, I am content in knowing I am as brave as any beast that ever lived, if not braver," said the Lion modestly.
(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)
I understand but one, replied the cat, modestly.
(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)
"Yes'm, that's me," he answered modestly. "My name's Miller, Skiff Miller. I just thought I'd s'prise her."
(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)
“Yes,” replied Harriet modestly, but not fearfully—“I must say that I have.”
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Learn English with... Proverbs |
"Talk of the devil - and the devil appears." (Bulgarian proverb)
"The wound of words is worse than the wound of swords." (Arabic proverb)
"Have no respect at table and in bed." (Corsican proverb)