humbled

[ huhm-buhld, uhm- ]

adjective

1. made less proud, especially by awe or admiration, or by gratitude for help received, an undeserved advantage or honor, etc.:

   The land is a perpetual gift; I am humbled like a stranger who is invited to dinner and fed the best food in the house.

2. lowered in condition, power, or dignity; abased:

   NATO air strikes and tightening sanctions finally brought the humbled aggressors to the negotiating table.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of humble ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·hum·bled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbled¹

humble ( def ) + -ed ²

Example Sentences

All of us — and the media, in particular — need some clear-eyed, humble self-reflection as the dust settles on the 2020 election results.

From Axios

The 45-year-old mother, who lives in the Brookland neighborhood with her husband and 14-year-old son, said she was honored and humbled by the invitation.

From Washington Post

Although Tetsuya hung up his bow years ago and has since lived in humble anonymity, the stranger challenges him to a shooting contest.

From Washington Post

For them to think of me as a humble kid, it really means a lot to me.

From Washington Post

I think we have to be humble relative to where we are with this disease.

From Washington Post

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Curtis said she was “honored and humbled” to even be considered.

From The Daily Beast

The U.S. was wrong-footed diplomatically and militarily humbled.

From The Daily Beast

And humbled Socialists rallied to throw support behind the conservative Chirac.

From The Daily Beast

"I am profoundly moved and humbled to be asked to take on the CEO role at this company that means so much to me," Bailey said.

From The Daily Beast

Having been humbled once, Cameron decided not to risk a re-run in Parliament.

From The Daily Beast

To be so humbled in the knowledge of any living being, was the vultures of Prometheus to the proud heart of Ripperda.

From Project Gutenberg

And man shall be brought down, and man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be brought low.

From Project Gutenberg

Why have we fasted, and thou hast not regarded: have we humbled our souls, and thou hast not taken notice?

From Project Gutenberg

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.

From Project Gutenberg

They have discovered the nakedness of their father in thee, they have humbled the uncleanness of the menstruous woman in thee.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apologetic
• bashful
• contrite
• distraught
• distressed
• embarrassed
• guilty
• hesitant
• humble
• humiliated
• regretful
• reluctant
• repentant
• shy
• sorry