Humble vs. Modest: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Humble" refers to a low view of one's importance or status, often linked to simplicity; "Modest" implies understatement or restraint in behavior, dress, or estimation of one’s abilities.
Key Differences
"Humble" denotes a sense of low self-importance and often conveys a lack of ego or pride, typically in relation to one's status or achievements. "Modest," on the other hand, refers to an understated or reserved approach, whether in terms of behavior, appearance, or in discussing one's achievements.
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Nov 24, 2023
A humble person may downplay their status or accomplishments, emphasizing simplicity and unpretentiousness. A modest person, while also not boasting, might focus more on restraint and avoiding excess or flamboyance.
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Nov 24, 2023
Humility often involves recognizing and accepting one’s limitations and flaws, along with a willingness to learn and grow. Modesty, however, primarily revolves around self-restraint and avoiding the display of superiority.
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Nov 24, 2023
In social interactions, a humble person might focus on others rather than themselves, showing a genuine interest in others’ lives. A modest person, while also not seeking attention, might simply avoid discussing their achievements or abilities.
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Nov 24, 2023
From a cultural perspective, humility is often associated with spiritual or moral virtue, signifying a deep inner understanding of one’s place in the world. Modesty, meanwhile, is frequently related to social norms and etiquette, dictating how one presents themselves in public.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Social Interaction
Emphasizing others, not self
Avoiding discussing own achievements
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Humble and Modest Definitions
Humble
Marked by simplicity.
They live in a humble cottage in the countryside.
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Nov 21, 2023
Modest
Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities.
She's very modest about her achievements.
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Nov 21, 2023
Modest
Moderate in the amount, intensity, or extent.
They live a modest lifestyle.
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Nov 21, 2023
Humble
Showing a modest estimate of one's importance.
Despite his fame, he remained humble.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Modest
Free from ostentation or showy extravagance.
Her dress was modest and elegant.
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Nov 21, 2023
Humble
Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Showing a moderate or humble estimate of merit.
His modest proposal was well-received.
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Nov 21, 2023
Modest
Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's own abilities, accomplishments, or value
Was too modest to talk about his success.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly
A humble cottage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Having or proceeding from a disinclination to call attention to oneself; retiring or diffident
A quiet, modest demeanor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
To cause to feel humble
"He was humbled by the lack of consolation in Kornblum's expression" (Michael Chabon).
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Observing conventional proprieties in speech, behavior, or dress, especially in the avoidance of arousing sexual interest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Free from showiness or ostentation; unpretentious
A house with modest furnishings.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming.
He lives in a humble one-bedroom cottage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Moderate or limited in size, quantity, or range; not extreme
A modest price.
A newspaper with a modest circulation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Having a low opinion of oneself; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; modest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements; unpretentious, humble.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
(ambitransitive) To defeat or reduce the power, independence, or pride of
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Small, moderate in size.
He earns a modest amount of money.
Her latest novel was a modest success.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
To make humble or lowly; to make less proud or arrogant; to make meek and submissive.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Pure and delicate from a sense of propriety.
Modest thoughts or language
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
(especially of behaviour or clothing) Intending to avoid the encouraging of sexual attraction in others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Restraining within due limits of propriety; not forward, bold, boastful, or presumptious; rather retiring than pushing one's self forward; not obstructive; as, a modest youth; a modest man.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
An arrest based on weak evidence intended to demean or punish the subject.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Observing the proprieties of the sex; not unwomanly in act or bearing; free from undue familiarity, indecency, or lewdness; decent in speech and demeanor; - said of a woman.
Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife.
The blushing beauties of a modest maid.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Near the ground; not high or lofty; not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming; as, a humble cottage.
THy humble nest built on the ground.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate; as, a modest request; modest joy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Thinking lowly of one's self; claiming little for one's self; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; thinking one's self ill-deserving or unworthy, when judged by the demands of God; lowly; waek; modest.
God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
She should be humble who would please.
Without a humble imitation of the divine Author of our . . . religion we can never hope to be a happy nation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself;
A modest apartment
Too modest to wear his medals
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Not large but sufficient in size or amount;
A modest salary
Modest inflation
Helped in my own small way
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
To bring low; to reduce the power, independence, or exaltation of; to lower; to abase; to humilate.
Here, take this purse, thou whom the heaven's plaguesHave humbled to all strokes.
The genius which humbled six marshals of France.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Free from pomp or affectation;
Comfortable but modest cottages
A simple rectangular brick building
A simple man with simple tastes
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
To make humble or lowly in mind; to abase the pride or arrogance of; to reduce the self-sufficiently of; to make meek and submissive; - often used rexlexively.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you.
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of;
He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness;
Meek and self-effacing
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Limited in size or scope;
A small business
A newspaper with a modest circulation
Small-scale plans
A pocket-size country
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful;
A humble apology
Essentially humble...and self-effacing, he achieved the highest formal honors and distinctions
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Free from ostentation or pretension;
The restrained elegance of the room
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Oct 19, 2023
Modest
Having a limited and reasonable view of one's importance.
He's modest and doesn't boast about his wealth.
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Nov 21, 2023
Humble
Of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense);
Baseborn wretches with dirty faces
Of humble (or lowly) birth
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Oct 19, 2023
Humble
Low in rank or status.
She came from a humble background but achieved great success.
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Nov 21, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can humble be used to describe wealth?
Yes, but it typically implies simplicity or low status rather than lack of wealth.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
Does being humble mean having low self-esteem?
Not necessarily; it's more about acknowledging one's place and limitations.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is modesty only about clothing?
No, it also refers to behavior and avoiding exaggeration about one’s abilities.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is modesty a cultural concept?
Yes, what is considered modest can vary greatly across different cultures.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can businesses be described as humble?
Yes, particularly in reference to their origins or approach.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can a person be both humble and proud?
Yes, one can be proud of their achievements while still being humble in attitude.
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Nov 24, 2023
Are humble people always modest?
Not necessarily; one can have a humble background but not practice modesty.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is modesty about hiding your talents?
Not hiding, but rather being unassuming about them.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is it good to be humble in professional settings?
Generally, yes, but it's also important to confidently acknowledge one's abilities.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is humility a virtue in all cultures?
While widely valued, the interpretation and importance of humility can vary.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is modesty valued in all professions?
It's generally valued, but some fields may emphasize self-promotion more.
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Nov 24, 2023
Does modesty imply shyness?
Not always; it's more about restraint and decorum than shyness.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can modesty be false or affected?
Yes, sometimes people may feign modesty for social acceptance.
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Nov 24, 2023
Does being humble affect leadership?
It can positively impact leadership by making leaders more relatable and approachable.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can humility be learned?
Yes, through self-reflection and understanding one's role in the larger context.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can being too modest be a disadvantage?
Yes, if it prevents one from acknowledging and utilizing their strengths.
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Nov 24, 2023
Do humble people avoid leadership roles?
Not necessarily; they may take on such roles with a service-oriented mindset.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is modesty always a positive trait?
Generally, yes, though excessive modesty can sometimes hinder self-expression.
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Nov 24, 2023
How do humble origins impact a person's character?
They can instill values like resilience and appreciation for simple things.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can modest clothing be fashionable?
Absolutely, modest fashion can be stylish and elegant.
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Nov 24, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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