humility

American  

[hyoo-mil-i-tee, yoo-] / hyuˈmɪl ɪ ti, yu- /

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

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humility British  

/ hjuːˈmɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being humble

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Etymology

Origin of humility

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

Compare meaning

How does humility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• humbleness vs. humility

Example Sentences

There is a certain humility in his approach that likely stems from his time as a missionary in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

From The Wall Street Journal

“You need some good ol’-fashioned humility and honesty, too, nephew.”

From Literature

He credits the writer and director, Stefan Golaszewski, for creating a show that at it's core has "such humility and honest".

From BBC

Those who rely on “settled science” as immutable fact should exercise humility and acknowledge that what is settled today may be unsettled tomorrow.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Mr. Fryer suggests, “we have to start with humility.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• shyness