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.
“I humbly ask you to please add my middle initial so I never get confused with the singer.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026
"Throughout my life, I have only ever been motivated by public service, the opportunity to serve our country is all I ever asked. That's why this is an opportunity I humbly accept."
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
My relationship with Omsk began humbly: I was one of seven American artists who traveled there in November 1990 to produce my first musical, “Charlie’s Oasis,” or “Charlie-Bar” as it was called in Russian.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
For your evening enjoyment, and to help get you in the spirit of the holiday weekend, I’d humbly suggest:
From Slate ● Jul. 2, 2026
As Twilight told it, Deydey had walked in humbly, played poorly at first, causing the trader to raise the stakes.
From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
