modest

Where does the word "modest" come from? It comes from Latin modestus, passing through French before entering English (1560s).

Modest’s story begins in Latin: modestus meant “keeping measure.” From 'modus', measure. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as modeste. Latin 'modestus' meant keeping due measure, from 'modus', measure, the same root as 'moderate'. It reached English by 1560s as modest. 'modest' income dates from the 1800s. Today, modest means unassuming about one's abilities.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient modestus "keeping measure", from 'modus', measure.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s modeste "modest", Latin 'modestus' meant keeping due measure, from 'modus', measure, the same root as 'moderate'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1560s modest "restrained", 'modest' income dates from the 1800s.