humbly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is not proud or arrogant; modestly.
He humbly accepted the award on behalf of his friends and colleagues.
-
in a way that shows insignificance, inferiority, or subservience.
I made my suggestions humbly, realizing the vast experience of the others in the room.
-
in a respectfully courteous way.
I humbly request that you give us some time to discuss this privately.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of humbly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Humbly, we must acknowledge that PSG are an extraordinary team," he said.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
"Humbly thankful that they thought that much of me to retire my number," Koosman said.
From Fox News • Aug. 29, 2021
Humbly — and respectfully — he noted feeling a kinship with them.
From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2021
Humbly, she understood that death sometimes usurps small liberties.
From Slate • May 16, 2020
Humbly those wolves and lions with mighty paws fawned on our men—who met their yellow eyes and feared them.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
