Humbly

'hʌmbli

adverbmedium📊CommonEmotion
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

In a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people; in a modest way.

'hʌmbli

adverbneutralmedium
Emotion

In a modest or respectful way.

He humbly apologized for his mistake.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're getting a compliment, but instead of bragging, you just say 'thank you' with a small nod. That's being humble! For example, 'Even though she aced the test, she humbly said it was easy.'

👶 For kids: When you're not too proud and show respect, like saying 'thank you' when someone gives you a gift.

More Examples

2

She accepted the compliment humbly.

3

The company humbly acknowledged their errors and promised to do better.

How It's Used

General Conversation

"She humbly accepted the award, thanking her colleagues."

Formal Writing

"The author humbly submits this manuscript for consideration."

Religious contexts

"He prayed humbly for guidance."

Idioms & expressions

eat humble pie

To admit you were wrong, or to apologize.

"After losing the argument, he had to eat humble pie and apologize for his mistake."

From Middle English humbl(i) , from Old French humble, from Latin humilis 'low, humble'.

The word 'humbly' has been used since the 14th century, originally relating to a state of lowliness or submission.

Memory tip

Think of a humble person bending down, showing respect.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"lowly, humble"

humbly apologizehumbly accepthumbly submit

Common misspellings

humbleyhumly

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written