Humble vs. Modest: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 26, 2023
Humble denotes a low estimate of one’s importance; modest refers to downplaying one’s achievements or attributes.
Key Differences
The term "humble" primarily signifies having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance. Humble individuals do not consider themselves superior to others and are often receptive to learning and self-improvement. "Modest," on the other hand, typically means not overly emphasizing one's abilities, achievements, or attributes. Modest individuals may have significant accomplishments but choose not to boast about them or seek attention for them.
"Humble" also implies a willingness to serve others and a lack of arrogance. Individuals who are humble often have a clear and honest view of their own strengths and weaknesses and are usually considerate and respectful towards others. "Modest," in comparison, relates more to behavior and appearance, ensuring that they do not come across as ostentatious or seeking admiration or approval.
When considering these terms in the context of possessions or lifestyle, a "humble" person may lead a simple life, emphasizing values, and intrinsic worth over material possessions. In contrast, a "modest" person might have considerable wealth or possessions but does not flaunt them or hold them as a sign of superiority.
In relation to acknowledgment and recognition, a humble person typically does not seek acclaim or praise and attributes their success to others or external factors. A modest person, although not dismissive of their accomplishments, tends to downplay them, avoiding the spotlight and not seeking the admiration of others.
In essence, while both "humble" and "modest" denote a lack of pride or arrogance and an avoidance of ostentation, they have nuanced differences. Humbleness centers more on one’s perception of their importance and willingness to serve, while modesty focuses on downplaying one’s achievements and attributes and avoiding extravagance in behavior and appearance.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Having a low estimate of one’s importance.
Downplaying one’s achievements or attributes.
Focus
Perception of one’s importance and willingness to serve.
Behavior and appearance, avoiding ostentation and extravagance.
Self-Perception
Clear and honest view of one’s strengths and weaknesses.
Not overly emphasizing abilities, achievements, or attributes.
Attention Seeking
Does not seek acclaim or praise.
Avoids the spotlight and does not seek admiration.
Material Possessions
Emphasizes values and intrinsic worth over possessions.
May possess wealth but does not flaunt it.
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Humble and Modest Definitions
Humble
Showing a low estimate of one’s importance.
Despite his immense wealth, he remains humble, treating everyone with respect.
Modest
Not boasting about or drawing attention to one’s achievements or attributes.
Though highly accomplished, she is modest about her successes.
Humble
Lacking arrogance and haughtiness.
His humble demeanor makes him approachable to all.
Modest
Avoiding ostentation in behavior and appearance.
He leads a modest lifestyle, despite having the means for extravagance.
Humble
Leading a simple and unpretentious life.
She lives in a humble abode, unfazed by opulence.
Modest
Limited in amount, size, or degree.
He earned a modest income but was content with his life.
Humble
Being willing to learn and improve oneself.
The humble student eagerly absorbed the teachings of his mentors.
Modest
Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's own abilities, accomplishments, or value
Was too modest to talk about his success.
Humble
Having a respectful and considerate nature.
His humble approach endears him to his colleagues.
Modest
Having or proceeding from a disinclination to call attention to oneself; retiring or diffident
A quiet, modest demeanor.
Humble
Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
Modest
Observing conventional proprieties in speech, behavior, or dress, especially in the avoidance of arousing sexual interest.
Humble
Showing deferential or submissive respect
A humble apology.
Modest
Free from showiness or ostentation; unpretentious
A house with modest furnishings.
Humble
Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly
A humble cottage.
Modest
Moderate or limited in size, quantity, or range; not extreme
A modest price.
A newspaper with a modest circulation.
Humble
To cause to feel humble
"He was humbled by the lack of consolation in Kornblum's expression" (Michael Chabon).
Modest
Not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements; unpretentious, humble.
Humble
To cause to have a lower condition or status; abase.
Modest
Small, moderate in size.
He earns a modest amount of money.
Her latest novel was a modest success.
Humble
Not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming.
He lives in a humble one-bedroom cottage.
Modest
Pure and delicate from a sense of propriety.
Modest thoughts or language
Humble
Having a low opinion of oneself; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; modest.
Modest
(especially of behaviour or clothing) Intending to avoid the encouraging of sexual attraction in others.
Humble
(ambitransitive) To defeat or reduce the power, independence, or pride of
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
To make humble or lowly; to make less proud or arrogant; to make meek and submissive.
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
To hum.
Humbling and bumbling
Modest
Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate; as, a modest request; modest joy.
Humble
(transitive) hummel.
Modest
Marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself;
A modest apartment
Too modest to wear his medals
Humble
An arrest based on weak evidence intended to demean or punish the subject.
Modest
Not large but sufficient in size or amount;
A modest salary
Modest inflation
Helped in my own small way
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
Free from pomp or affectation;
Comfortable but modest cottages
A simple rectangular brick building
A simple man with simple tastes
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
Not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance
Humble
Hornless. See Hummel.
Modest
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
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
Humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness;
Meek and self-effacing
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
Limited in size or scope;
A small business
A newspaper with a modest circulation
Small-scale plans
A pocket-size country
Humble
Cause to be unpretentious;
This experience will humble him
Modest
Free from ostentation or pretension;
The restrained elegance of the room
Humble
Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of;
He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
Modest
Having or showing a moderate opinion of one’s own value.
She is modest and never considers herself superior to others.
Humble
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Modest
Decent and not drawing attention in terms of clothing.
She chose a modest dress for the formal event.
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
Humble
Used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
Humble
Of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense);
Baseborn wretches with dirty faces
Of humble (or lowly) birth
FAQs
Can a humble person have a clear view of their strengths and weaknesses?
Yes, a humble person often has a clear and honest view of their strengths and weaknesses.
Is modesty related more to behavior and appearance?
Yes, modesty is related more to not being ostentatious in behavior and appearance.
Does being humble mean having a low opinion of one's importance?
Yes, being humble involves having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance.
Does a humble person emphasize values over material possessions?
Yes, a humble person often emphasizes values and intrinsic worth over material possessions.
Can a modest person possess wealth without flaunting it?
Yes, a modest person can have considerable wealth but choose not to flaunt it.
Can a modest person downplay their accomplishments?
Yes, a modest person tends to downplay their accomplishments, avoiding the spotlight.
Does being modest mean having a moderate or realistic view of one’s value?
Yes, being modest often involves having a moderate or realistic opinion of one’s value.
Do humble people generally avoid seeking praise or acclaim?
Yes, humble people typically do not seek praise or acclaim and attribute their success to others or external factors.
Does being modest mean avoiding boasting about one’s achievements?
Yes, being modest typically involves not drawing attention to one’s achievements or attributes.
Is a willingness to learn a trait of a humble person?
Yes, a willingness to learn and improve is often a characteristic of a humble person.
Does a humble lifestyle avoid opulence and extravagance?
Yes, a humble lifestyle often avoids opulence and is unpretentious.
Can modesty involve having decent and unflashy clothing?
Yes, modesty can involve wearing decent and unflashy clothing that doesn’t draw undue attention.
Can both humble and modest people avoid drawing attention to themselves?
Yes, both humble and modest people often avoid drawing attention to themselves, focusing on others or downplaying their achievements and attributes respectively.
Is humbleness related to being respectful and considerate?
Yes, humbleness is often associated with being respectful and considerate to others.
Can a modest income be limited but sufficient?
Yes, a modest income is often limited but can be sufficient and fulfilling.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
