Humble vs. Modest — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Humble refers to a low estimation of one's importance and a lack of arrogance, whereas modest often implies understatement or downplaying of one's achievements or attributes. Both are considered virtues but apply in different contexts.
Difference Between Humble and Modest
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Key Differences
Humble is a term that generally focuses on one's internal perspective toward oneself and others. It implies a lack of arrogance or pretentiousness. Modest, while similar, has more of an external application, as it often relates to how one presents themselves in terms of abilities, possessions, or achievements.
In essence, humility is about your attitude towards yourself and others, while modesty often pertains to your public demeanor. That said, being humble doesn't necessarily mean downplaying your successes; rather, it’s acknowledging that your achievements are part of a larger context. On the other hand, modesty specifically involves downplaying one’s achievements or attributes, often out of consideration for others.
Another subtle difference between the two terms is that humility can often involve recognizing and admitting one's limitations or faults openly. Modesty, on the other hand, might avoid such admissions not out of denial but in an attempt to avoid drawing attention to oneself.
Both words are often used in ethical or moral contexts and are considered virtues in many cultural and religious traditions. However, humility is frequently stressed in spiritual contexts as a character trait that fosters growth and understanding, whereas modesty is often more emphasized in social contexts where the focus is on conforming to societal norms of behavior or dress.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Internal
External
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Context of Application
Personal Growth, Spiritual
Social Norms, Public Demeanor
Involves
Lack of Arrogance
Downplaying Achievements
Relation to Others
Acknowledging Larger Context
Consideration for Others
Connotation
Virtue, Ethical Trait
Virtue, Social Norm
Compare with Definitions
Humble
Open to learning and growth.
He was humble enough to admit when he was wrong.
Modest
Observing conventional proprieties in speech, behavior, or dress.
She was modest in both speech and dress.
Humble
Free from vanity or conceit.
Despite his success, he remained humble.
Modest
Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities.
Her modest demeanor belied her incredible talent.
Humble
Having a low opinion of one's own importance.
He was a humble man who never boasted about his achievements.
Modest
Free from ostentation.
He led a modest lifestyle despite his wealth.
Humble
Lacking pretentiousness.
Her humble nature made her easy to talk to.
Modest
Modest may refer to:
Humble
Willing to serve others.
She took on the humble task of caring for the sick.
Modest
Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements
He was a very modest man, refusing to take any credit for the enterprise
Humble
Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
Modest
(of an amount, rate, or level) relatively moderate, limited, or small
Drink modest amounts of alcohol
Employment growth was relatively modest
Humble
Showing deferential or submissive respect
A humble apology.
Modest
(of a woman) dressing or behaving so as to avoid impropriety or indecency, especially to avoid attracting sexual attention
The modest women wear long-sleeved dresses and all but cover their faces
Humble
Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly
A humble cottage.
Modest
Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's own abilities, accomplishments, or value
Was too modest to talk about his success.
Humble
To cause to feel humble
"He was humbled by the lack of consolation in Kornblum's expression" (Michael Chabon).
Modest
Having or proceeding from a disinclination to call attention to oneself; retiring or diffident
A quiet, modest demeanor.
Humble
To cause to have a lower condition or status; abase.
Modest
Observing conventional proprieties in speech, behavior, or dress, especially in the avoidance of arousing sexual interest.
Humble
Not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming.
He lives in a humble one-bedroom cottage.
Modest
Free from showiness or ostentation; unpretentious
A house with modest furnishings.
Humble
Having a low opinion of oneself; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; modest.
Modest
Moderate or limited in size, quantity, or range; not extreme
A modest price.
A newspaper with a modest circulation.
Humble
(ambitransitive) To defeat or reduce the power, independence, or pride of
Modest
Not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements; unpretentious, humble.
Humble
To make humble or lowly; to make less proud or arrogant; to make meek and submissive.
Modest
Small, moderate in size.
He earns a modest amount of money.
Her latest novel was a modest success.
Humble
To hum.
Humbling and bumbling
Modest
Pure and delicate from a sense of propriety.
Modest thoughts or language
Humble
(transitive) hummel.
Modest
(especially of behaviour or clothing) Intending to avoid the encouraging of sexual attraction in others.
Humble
An arrest based on weak evidence intended to demean or punish the subject.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Modest
Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate; as, a modest request; modest joy.
Humble
Hornless. See Hummel.
Modest
Marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself;
A modest apartment
Too modest to wear his medals
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.
Modest
Not large but sufficient in size or amount;
A modest salary
Modest inflation
Helped in my own small way
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.
Modest
Free from pomp or affectation;
Comfortable but modest cottages
A simple rectangular brick building
A simple man with simple tastes
Humble
Cause to be unpretentious;
This experience will humble him
Modest
Not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance
Humble
Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of;
He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
Modest
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Humble
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Modest
Humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness;
Meek and self-effacing
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
Modest
Limited in size or scope;
A small business
A newspaper with a modest circulation
Small-scale plans
A pocket-size country
Humble
Used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
Modest
Free from ostentation or pretension;
The restrained elegance of the room
Humble
Of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense);
Baseborn wretches with dirty faces
Of humble (or lowly) birth
Modest
Having a moderate estimation of one's abilities.
He was modest about his role in the project.
Modest
Limited in size or scope.
They lived in a modest home.
Common Curiosities
Can someone be both humble and modest?
Yes, these traits can coexist in the same person but apply in different contexts.
What does modest mean?
Modest refers to the understatement or downplaying of one's abilities or attributes.
Is modesty a societal norm?
Modesty is often related to societal norms, particularly in behavior and dress.
Is humility a spiritual trait?
Humility is often emphasized in spiritual and ethical contexts as a virtue.
Can you be humble but not modest?
Yes, you could acknowledge your talents without arrogance yet not downplay them.
What does humble mean?
Humble refers to having a low opinion of one's own importance and a lack of arrogance.
Does being modest mean hiding your talents?
Not necessarily, modesty is more about not flaunting or overstating your talents.
How is modest used in a sentence?
"She was modest about her role in the successful project."
Can you be modest but not humble?
Yes, you could downplay your abilities in public while privately harboring arrogance.
Is humility more inward-focused?
Yes, humility generally concerns one's attitude towards oneself and others.
Does being humble mean undervaluing yourself?
No, humility is not about undervaluing but rather about seeing oneself in a larger context.
How is humble used in a sentence?
"Despite his achievements, he remained humble."
Do humility and modesty conflict with self-esteem?
No, one can have high self-esteem while being humble or modest.
Is it better to be humble or modest?
Neither is objectively better; each has its appropriate context and application.
Is modesty more outward-focused?
Yes, modesty usually concerns how one presents themselves to others.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
