What does modishly mean?
Modishly means in a moderate, limited, or unshowy way. It is commonly used to qualify quantities, changes, prices, efforts, and personal behavior: a price may be described as modestly high, an increase as modest, or a person as responding modestly to an achievement. In the second sense, the word suggests humility and restraint rather than lack of confidence. It can also imply that something is less impressive than it might otherwise be, although this is usually a gentle implication rather than a criticism. Modishly is the adverb derived from modest and is widely understood in formal and informal contexts in both British and American English.
adverbIn a moderate or modest degree; to an extent that is not large, impressive, or excessive.
- To a moderate or limited degree.
"The charity made a modest contribution to the project."
"The report predicts a modest rise in temperatures over the coming decade."
"She accepted the award modestly, thanking the team for their support."
The word carries the idea of scale with restraint: something can be modest not only in appearance or manner, but also in quantity, effort, price, or achievement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does modishly come from?
Modishly derives from modest, which comes through French from Latin modestus, meaning moderate, humble, or within limits. The same Latin root also underlies modesty, moderate, and modulate, reflecting a shared idea of proportion, measure, or restraint. The adverbial form modishly developed in English to describe conduct or degrees in a moderate or unassuming manner.
Related word forms
How modishly is actually used
Modishly can describe a moderate degree, as in a modest increase, or a restrained and unshowy manner, as in accepting praise modestly. It is formal and neutral in tone.