German word

bescheiden

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʃaɪ̯dn̩/

Meaning

  • adjectivehumble

Example

Sie ist eine bescheidene Frau.

She is a humble woman.

Illustration for bescheiden (humble)

More examples

Er lobt andere und bleibt dabei bescheiden.

He praises others and remains modest in doing so.

Core concept

A person keeps achievements and desires within a small, calm frame rather than making them the center of attention.

Common phrases

  • ein bescheidenes Verhalten

    modest behavior

  • auf bescheidene Weise

    in a modest way

Similar words

zurückhaltend: Showing little emotion or opinion and behaving in a restrained manner.
unaufdringlich: Remaining unobtrusive so others feel comfortable and unbothered.
anspruchslos: Having modest demands and being content with simple goods or services.
demütig: Showing obedience by lowering oneself and placing others above oneself.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet Menschen, die ihre Erfolge leise darstellen und nicht durch Eigenlob auffallen.

Word origin

Bescheiden developed from Middle High German bescheiden, which included the meanings "to assign" and "to determine," and later acquired the sense of restrained or moderate behavior.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive phrase sich mit etwas bescheiden means "to make do with something" or "to be content with something," not merely to be modest.

Other meanings

  • modestadjective
  • frugaladjective

Opposites

  • angeberischboastfuladjective
  • protzigostentatiousadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word