How to pronounce modesty
Say it like MOD-uh-stee. Modesty 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 modesty. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MOD
- uh
- stee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Modesty 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.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- steeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of modesty
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: MOD-uh-stee.
What does modesty mean?
- The quality of being modest; having a limited and not overly high opinion of oneself and one's abilities.
- Moderate behavior; reserve.
- Pudency, avoidance of sexual explicitness.
Where does modesty come from?
Borrowed from Middle French modestie, from Latin modestia; equivalent to modest + -y.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying modesty
How do you pronounce modesty?
Say MOD-uh-stee. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɑdəsti/. In British English it is /ˈmɒdəsti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in modesty?
Modesty has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MOD). Broken into parts: MOD · uh · stee.
Is modesty 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 /ˈmɒdəsti/ (MOD-uh-stee).