Extravagant vs. Modest — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 19, 2024
Extravagant implies excess and lavishness, often beyond necessity, while modest denotes simplicity, restraint, and often an avoidance of excess.
Difference Between Extravagant and Modest
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Extravagant lifestyles or choices are characterized by spending much more than is necessary or wise, often to show off wealth or status. They include luxury cars, designer clothes, and opulent parties. On the other hand, modest lifestyles prioritize simplicity, affordability, and practicality, focusing on needs rather than wants.
While extravagant people might see expensive hobbies and vacations as essential for their happiness and social standing, modest individuals find joy and satisfaction in simpler, less costly activities. They value experiences and relationships over material possessions.
In fashion, extravagant attire might feature bold colors, complex designs, and premium materials, aiming to make a statement. Whereas, modest clothing tends to be understated, focusing on comfort, functionality, and sometimes cultural or religious adherence.
Extravagant events, like weddings or galas, are often grandiose, with meticulous attention to detail, lavish decorations, and gourmet catering. Modest events, however, are more likely to be intimate, with a focus on the significance of the occasion and the enjoyment of the guests rather than opulence.
Extravagant gifts are typically expensive and luxurious, intended to impress or showcase the giver's generosity. Modest gifts, conversely, are thoughtful and meaningful, often personalized, reflecting a deep understanding or connection rather than monetary value.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Exceeding the bounds of reason or necessity
Showing self-restraint; not excessive
Lifestyle
Lavish and opulent
Simple and unpretentious
Fashion
Bold, luxurious, and eye-catching
Understated, comfortable, and functional
Events
Grandiose with meticulous detail
Intimate with a focus on significance
Gifts
Expensive and luxurious
Thoughtful and meaningful
Compare with Definitions
Extravagant
Very elaborate or showy.
Her extravagant gown made her the center of attention at the ball.
Modest
Limited or moderate in amount, extent, or size.
They celebrated their anniversary with a modest dinner at home.
Extravagant
Exceeding the limits of expectation or necessity.
The party's extravagant entertainment included a live orchestra and fireworks.
Modest
Unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.
Despite her success, she remained modest about her accomplishments.
Extravagant
Spending much more than is necessary or wise.
Buying a yacht seems an extravagant purchase for someone who dislikes the sea.
Modest
Not large, elaborate, or expensive.
They lived in a modest house despite their wealth.
Extravagant
Characterized by lavish or opulent features.
The hotel's extravagant lobby was adorned with marble floors and gold fixtures.
Modest
Free from ostentation or showy extravagance.
She preferred modest attire, choosing comfort over fashion.
Extravagant
Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources
It was rather extravagant to buy both
Modest
Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's merits.
His modest demeanor made him well-liked among his colleagues.
Extravagant
One who is confined to no general rule.
Modest
Modest may refer to:
Extravagant
Involving an expense greater than what one can afford.
He made an extravagant bet at the casino and lost.
Modest
Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements
He was a very modest man, refusing to take any credit for the enterprise
Extravagant
Exceeding reasonable bounds
Extravagant demands.
Modest
(of an amount, rate, or level) relatively moderate, limited, or small
Drink modest amounts of alcohol
Employment growth was relatively modest
Extravagant
Unreasonably high in cost; exorbitant
Extravagant fees.
Modest
Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's own abilities, accomplishments, or value
Was too modest to talk about his success.
Extravagant
Lavish or imprudent in spending money
Extravagant members of the imperial court.
Modest
Having or proceeding from a disinclination to call attention to oneself; retiring or diffident
A quiet, modest demeanor.
Extravagant
Extremely abundant; profuse
Extravagant vegetation.
Modest
Free from showiness or ostentation; unpretentious
A house with modest furnishings.
Extravagant
(Archaic) Straying beyond limits or bounds; wandering.
Modest
Moderate or limited in size, quantity, or range; not extreme
A modest price.
A newspaper with a modest circulation.
Extravagant
Exceeding the bounds of something; roving; hence, foreign.
Modest
Not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements; unpretentious, humble.
Extravagant
Extreme; wild; excessive; unrestrained.
Extravagant acts, praise, or abuse
Modest
Small, moderate in size.
He earns a modest amount of money.
Her latest novel was a modest success.
Extravagant
Exorbitant.
Modest
Pure and delicate from a sense of propriety.
Modest thoughts or language
Extravagant
Profuse in expenditure; prodigal; wasteful.
An extravagant man
Extravagant expense
Modest
Restraining within due limits of propriety; not forward, bold, boastful, or presumptious; rather retiring than pushing one's self forward; not obstructive; as, a modest youth; a modest man.
Extravagant
Wandering beyond one's bounds; roving; hence, foreign.
The extravagant and erring spirit hiesTo his confine.
Modest
Evincing modestly in the actor, author, or speaker; not showing presumption; not excessive or extreme; moderate; as, a modest request; modest joy.
Extravagant
Exceeding due bounds; wild; excessive; unrestrained; as, extravagant acts, wishes, praise, abuse.
There appears something nobly wild and extravagant in great natural geniuses.
Modest
Marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself;
A modest apartment
Too modest to wear his medals
Extravagant
Profuse in expenditure; prodigal; wasteful; as, an extravagant man.
Modest
Not large but sufficient in size or amount;
A modest salary
Modest inflation
Helped in my own small way
Extravagant
Certain constitutions or decretal epistles, not at first included with others, but subsequently made a part of the canon law.
Modest
Free from pomp or affectation;
Comfortable but modest cottages
A simple rectangular brick building
A simple man with simple tastes
Extravagant
Unrestrained in especially feelings;
Extravagant praise
Exuberant compliments
Overweening ambition
Overweening greed
Modest
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Extravagant
Recklessly wasteful;
Prodigal in their expenditures
Modest
Humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness;
Meek and self-effacing
Modest
Limited in size or scope;
A small business
A newspaper with a modest circulation
Small-scale plans
A pocket-size country
Modest
Free from ostentation or pretension;
The restrained elegance of the room
Common Curiosities
What defines an extravagant lifestyle?
An extravagant lifestyle is characterized by lavish spending and living, often beyond one's means or necessities.
Can modest events be memorable?
Yes, modest events can be deeply meaningful and memorable, focusing on personal significance and the joy of attendees rather than lavishness.
Why do some people prefer extravagant fashion?
For its boldness and ability to make a statement, often reflecting one's status or wealth.
What makes a gift extravagant?
Its luxury, expense, and sometimes the intention to impress or showcase generosity.
Is it possible to be modest in wealth?
Yes, many wealthy individuals choose to live modestly, valuing simplicity and substance over extravagance.
Can extravagant spending lead to financial problems?
Yes, consistently spending extravagantly can lead to financial instability or debt.
How do extravagant and modest gifts differ in impact?
Extravagant gifts may impress with their value, while modest gifts often carry deeper personal significance and thoughtfulness.
How can someone lead a modest lifestyle?
By prioritizing needs over wants, practicing simplicity, and focusing on non-materialistic forms of happiness and fulfillment.
How does culture influence perceptions of extravagance and modesty?
Cultural values and norms can significantly shape what is considered extravagant or modest in different societies.
Do modest people avoid luxury entirely?
Not necessarily; they might appreciate luxury but choose restraint and practicality in their consumption.
Can one's fashion choice be both modest and stylish?
Absolutely, many find a balance between modesty and style, focusing on elegant simplicity.
Is extravagance always related to monetary value?
While often associated with financial expenditure, extravagance can also refer to lavishness or excess in non-monetary terms.
Can extravagance be sustainable?
Sustainability depends on one's resources; what's extravagant for one may be sustainable for another, but overall, extravagance can challenge sustainability.
Why might someone choose modesty over extravagance?
For personal values, financial prudence, cultural reasons, or a preference for simplicity and authenticity.
Does modesty imply a lack of wealth or success?
Not at all; modesty is a lifestyle and value choice, not necessarily a reflection of one's financial status.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
