# adjective. - unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements. * he was a very modest man, refusing to take any credit for the enterprise - (of an amount, rate, or level) relatively moderate, limited, or small. * drink modest amounts of alcohol - dressing or behaving so as to avoid impropriety or indecency, especially to avoid attracting sexual attention (typically used of a woman). * the modest women wear long-sleeved dresses and all but cover their faces