David
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"It's Nothing, Really": How to Sound Modest in English 😌
It's nice to get positive attention because of our skill, accomplishments or even looks. But when accepting compliments, most people are careful to not appear arrogant, or too confident.
This time, we'll introduce a few simple English phrases to use when you want to reduce or avoid attention you receive. Then we'll wrap up with some useful vocabulary and a short list of quotes related to modesty.
What Is Modesty?
Merriam-Webster defines modesty as "the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities." Basically, modest people do not brag about themselves, what they have or what they can do.
If you want to sound modest when speaking English, try using one of the following phrases in the appropriate situations.
Common Modesty Phrases
I dabble.
“Dabble” is an informal word that means "to do something lightly or not seriously." It’s often used when someone wants to suggest that they aren't very skilled at something — even if that isn't always true.
I dabble in photography, but I’m not great at it.
A
Do you cook?
B
Well, I dabble.
You’re too kind.
You can use this short phrase after receiving a compliment. It has a slightly formal feeling and is sometimes said in a joking way.
A
You look great tonight.
B
Oh, you’re too kind.
Thank you for the applause, everyone. You're too kind.
I do OK. / I’m comfortable.
These phrases are common when someone wants to avoid speaking about money or salaries directly.
A
Do you make a lot of money at your new job?
B
I do OK.
My small business isn't making me rich, but my wife and I are comfortable.
It’s nothing (really).
This is a classic modest response to praise. But be careful: The other person may interpret it as you saying something was easy for you to do — which can make you seem arrogant!
Adding “really” helps this to sound more modest.
A
Your piano performance was excellent.
B
Thank you, but it was nothing, really.
You can also use this phrase when someone thanks you for something you've done for them. In this case, the meaning is closer to "No problem" or "It's no big deal."
A
Thanks for helping me move this sofa upstairs. I couldn't have done it alone!
B
It's nothing. I was happy to do it.
Remember that while these phrases are useful for sounding modest, your body language, facial expressions and tone of voice also communicate to the people around you. If you use these phrases with no feeling, it may seem like false modesty, so use them carefully.
Other Vocabulary Related to Modesty
Modest
"Modest" isn't only for describing people; we also use it to talk about things that aren't flashy or luxurious.
They have a cozy, modest home on the edge of the town.
Jesse has a modest sense of style, so she doesn't wear bright clothes or wild designs.
Humble
"Humble" is an adjective meaning "not thinking too highly of one's own achievements, qualities, etc."
Even after a long and successful career, she has remained humble.
The noun form is "humility."
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.
-C.S. Lewis (UK writer and scholar)
Down-to-earth / Grounded
These terms are often used to describe someone who thinks practically and realistically. But they're also useful for talking about people who are modest despite their success.
He was down-to-earth and very easy to talk to.
It's rare to meet celebrities who are still grounded even after years in the entertainment industry.
Play up/down
When you "play something up," you try to enhance its appeal or make it seem more interesting. For example, companies want to play up their products to customers, and politicians want to play up themselves to voters.
The politician took advantage of the opportunity to play himself up in front of the TV cameras.
The opposite of this expression is “play down," which is to make something seem less important than it actually may be.
Although he’s very successful, he always tries to play down his achievements.
It can be used for modesty but also for information people want to keep secret.
After winning the lottery, Joe tried to play down how much his life had changed.
Quotes on Modesty
We’ll end this article by sharing a few related quotes from well-known or historical people. We hope you find something useful and interesting here!
"It’s far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help."
-Judith Martin (US writer and etiquette expert)
"He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good."
-Confucius (Chinese philosopher)
"Modesty should be typical of the success of a champion."
-Major Taylor (US cyclist and writer)
"False modesty can be worse than arrogance."
-David Mitchell (UK novelist and screenwriter)
"Modesty and unselfishness: These are the virtues which men praise — and pass by."
-André Maurois (French author)
Wrap-up
Modesty is a tricky thing: Having either too much or too little of it can be negative. Regardless, hopefully this article has prepared you to speak about it with a little more confidence — but not too much!
Want to practice? Try these words and expressions out in a private lesson with an Engoo tutor!
