bescheiden
Translation
modest, humble, simple
Examples
Er ist ein sehr bescheidener Mensch.
He is a very modest person.
Sie leben in bescheidenen Verhältnissen.
They live in humble circumstances.
Sein Wunsch war recht bescheiden.
His wish was quite modest.
Grammar Patterns
((Adjective)) + Noun a modest ~ ein bescheidener Wunsch
sb. is ((Adjective)) sb. is modest Sie ist sehr bescheiden.
Similar Words
Synonyms: demütig (humble), anspruchslos (unpretentious); Antonyms: arrogant, angeberisch (boastful)
Etymology
From the verb 'scheiden' (to separate, divide). The meaning evolved from 'being able to distinguish/decide' to 'knowing one's place', hence 'modest'.
Memory Tips
Connect it to the phrase 'Bescheid wissen' (to know, to be informed). Someone who is 'bescheiden' knows their own limits.