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Modest vs Pretentious - What's the difference?

modest | pretentious |

As adjectives the difference between modest and pretentious

is that modest is not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements, unpretentious, humble while pretentious is marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.

modest

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements, unpretentious, humble.
  • Small, moderate in size.
    • He earns a modest amount of money.
    Her latest novel was a modest success.
  • (especially of behaviour or clothing) Avoiding being sexually suggestive.

    • Synonyms

    * See also * See also * See also

    Antonyms

    * immodest

    Derived terms

    * modest proposal * modesty

    pretentious

    English

    Alternative forms

    *

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
    • Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
  • Ostentatious; intended to impress others.
    • Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.

    Synonyms

    * poseur * See also

    Antonyms

    * unpretentious

    Derived terms

    * pretentiously * pretentiousness

    Related terms

    * pretend * pretender * pretense * pretension

    References

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