How to pronounce modest
Say it like MOD-ust. Modest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce modest. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MOD
- ust
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Modest pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MODSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ustKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of modest
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: MOD-ist.
What does modest mean?
- marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself“a modest apartment”“too modest to wear his medals”
- not large but sufficient in size or amount“a modest salary”“modest inflation”
- free from pomp or affectation“comfortable but modest cottages”“a simple rectangular brick building”
Where does modest come from?
From Middle French modeste, from Latin modestus.
Questions about saying modest
How do you pronounce modest?
Say MOD-ust. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑdəst/. In British English it is /ˈmɒdɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in modest?
Modest has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOD). Broken into parts: MOD · ust.
Is modest pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈmɒdɪst/ (MOD-ist).