How to pronounce modestly
Say it like MOD-ust-lee. Modestly has three 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 modestly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MOD
- ust
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Modestly 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of modestly
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: MOD-ust-lee.
What does modestly mean?
- In a modest manner; with humility.“The man bowed modestly and left the dinner table.”
- To a small degree.
Where does modestly come from?
From modest + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying modestly
How do you pronounce modestly?
Say MOD-ust-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑdəstli/. In British English it is /ˈmɒdəstli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in modestly?
Modestly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOD). Broken into parts: MOD · ust · lee.
Is modestly 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 /ˈmɒdəstli/ (MOD-ust-lee).