'modestly-furnished' originates from the combination of 'modest' and 'furnished'. 'Modest' comes from Latin 'modestus', meaning 'keeping within measure', and 'furnished' is derived from Old French 'furnir', meaning 'to supply or provide'.

'Modestus' transformed into the Old French 'modeste', and eventually became the modern English word 'modest'. 'Furnir' evolved into the Middle English 'furnishen', leading to the modern English 'furnished'.

Initially, 'modest' meant 'keeping within measure', and 'furnished' meant 'to supply'. Together, they convey the idea of providing furniture in a simple manner.