French Conversation · Level 5
90 words
French word
modestement
Pronunciation
IPA/modɛstəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbmodestly
Example
Il parle modestement de ses réussites.
He speaks modestly about his achievements.
More examples
Elle a accepté le compliment et a répondu modestement.
She accepted the compliment and responded modestly.
Core concept
Quiet, restrained conduct that avoids drawing attention appears in speech, dress, or other actions.
Common phrases
accepter modestement un compliment
accept a compliment modestly
agir modestement
act modestly
répondre modestement
respond modestly
Similar words
humblement: With humility when speaking about one's own success or abilities.
discrètement: Quietly and discreetly, without attracting people's attention.
sobrement: In a plain, restrained manner, without decorative excess.
simplement: Plainly and honestly, without embellishment or pretense.
Definition in French
Sans exagérer ni se vanter, d'une façon discrète et humble.
Word origin
The adverb modestement was formed from the adjective modeste and the adverbial suffix -ment, while modeste continues Latin modestus through Old French.
Usage tips
- Modestement can describe an entire manner of acting, as in s'habiller modestement, rather than only a speaker's words.