Meaning & use
overly modest
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivecomparable
Describing someone who is too shy or self-effacing about their abilities, achievements, or appearance.
Grammar: Used after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'; can be modified by 'very' or 'too'.
Patterns
- be overly modest about something
- seem overly modest
- too overly modest
She is overly modest about her role in the project; she actually did most of the work.
Don't be overly modest—your paintings are genuinely impressive.
He seemed overly modest when accepting the award, barely mentioning his own contribution.
Word forms
| comparative | more overly modest |
|---|---|
| superlative | most overly modest |
Common combinations
- be overly modest about
- She is overly modest about her achievements.
- seem overly modest
- He seems overly modest when praised.
- sound overly modest
- You sound overly modest; take credit for your work.
- act overly modest
- Don't act overly modest—just accept the compliment.
Synonyms and how they differ
- self-effacing
- This word emphasizes not seeking attention, but it can be positive, whereas 'overly modest' often suggests excessive shyness.
- humble
- This means not arrogant, and is usually positive; 'overly modest' implies going too far in downplaying yourself.
- unassuming
- This describes someone who doesn't boast, but it doesn't carry the negative sense of being too modest.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: overly modest or over modest?
overly modest vs over modest
This is not standard; 'overly' is the correct adverb.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'overly modest' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct answer uses 'overly modest about' to show the area of excessive modesty. The other options use incorrect prepositions or awkward phrasing.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “overly modest”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.