humility

[ hyoo-mil-i-teeor, often, yoo- ]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

   Synonyms: submissiveness, meekness, lowliness

   Antonyms: pride

humility

/ hjuːˈmɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being humble

Word History and Origins

Origin of humility¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English humilite, from Latin humilitās; humble, -ty ²

Example Sentences

It’s just not great for governing us, and what these people are doing is privately governing us, and they have no humility about the limitations of their worldview.

From TechCrunch

The write-ups are relatively subdued, as far as these things go, praising the executives for their humility as much as their innovative prowess, and noting the challenges they face in addressing everything from the pandemic to privacy concerns.

From Quartz

He just brings such a sophisticated framework—and he always has this humility that goes with it, which makes it so much fun because he’s having fun.

From Fortune

Use empathy, humility and thoughtfulness as the foundational building blocks of healthy team dynamics.

From Digiday

You know, I think the most important thing to do is to have humility.

From Freakonomics

At times, Mario Cuomo seemed to have the humility of a Jesuit and the goals of an emperor.

From The Daily Beast

During this time, Mailer also displayed an unexpected humility in the company of his fellow literary stars.

From The Daily Beast

I lived somewhere in the middle of the food chain—an involuntary humility, which remains the emotional posture behind reason.

From The Daily Beast

In the Church of Sorkin, this is the prayer of humility: forgive them, for they know not what they do.

From The Daily Beast

We are meant to see Coach Lad as a gentle shepherd, full of lessons about humility and brotherhood.

From The Daily Beast

The old man stood, with eyes downcast and hands clasped before him, a picture of humility.

From Project Gutenberg

He forgot the great doctrine of humility, and declared that "Mister" Weston should have the volume that very night.

From Project Gutenberg

Their founder named them Minimos Fratres, as a special indication of humility.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a ground of humility to each Section of the visible Church that every other, in some things, differs from it.

From Project Gutenberg

In this she differed from others of her sect, who strove to convey the idea of humility both outwardly and inwardly.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• shyness