Skip to content

modeste

modest

adjective mo-DEHST Rare

Origin: Latin modestus (keeping due measure).

Also means

humble

Usage Note

Modeste can describe a person who does not boast, or a thing that is simple and unassuming (a modest income, a modest home). It is the same form in both masculine and feminine. Fausse modestie ('false modesty') is a recognised social concept in French culture.

Examples

"Il reste modeste malgré son succès."

Natural Translation

He remains modest despite his success.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic