humbly

[huhm-blee, uhm-]

adverb

1. in a way that is not proud or arrogant; modestly.

   He humbly accepted the award on behalf of his friends and colleagues.

2. in a way that shows insignificance, inferiority, or subservience.

   I made my suggestions humbly, realizing the vast experience of the others in the room.

3. in a respectfully courteous way.

   I humbly request that you give us some time to discuss this privately.

Other Word Forms

• overhumbly adverb
• quasi-humbly adverb
• unhumbly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbly¹

humb(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Just a few moments before, that fictional designer introduces the collection humbly, holding his hands behind his back, saying, “This season really began for me with the meditation on the intersection between East and West.”

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"I don't like being a public figure and I say that very humbly," she admitted.

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This has always been Friedman’s strength, humbly adding talent to a group already possessing riches of talent.

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Galway County Council, which owned the institution, apologised for its role saying: “We acknowledge the sad and painful truth, the personal impact and heavy burden carried by survivors and humbly acknowledge our failings.”

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He waved at the audience as he entered the stage and humbly gestured to them to stop applauding before joking that: "I can't see everyone - but I can hear them."

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Related Words

• apologetically www.thesaurus.com