humility
Americannoun
noun
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:
Explanation
Humility is the quality of being humble. If you meet one of your heroes and feel nervous and in awe of her, you are experiencing humility. Humility comes from the Latin word humilis, which literally means "low." If you feel humility in front of someone, you feel small in the scheme of things — that you are just a simple, insignificant person. Someone who spends his life taking care of others shows humility. Although it's related to humiliation (which makes you feel low in a bad way), humility is usually used to talk about a lack of ego.
Vocabulary lists containing humility
Tuesdays with Morrie
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The Old Man and the Sea
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Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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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.
Brive president Thierry Blandinieres said Lawes arrived at the club "with humility and ambition" and has "shown the full extent of his talent since his first day".
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
"It's also a form of humility, because we naturally tend to see the pope as distant, as someone in a very important role," he said.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
It makes travel easier, helps you learn still more languages, and gives you lessons in humility when, no matter how fluent you are, you realize your French will always bear an Anglo accent.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
“This is a disease that demands humility and patience, but for which I firmly believe there is great hope.”
From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026
I attended her with renewed humility until she admitted me to her favor again.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
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.
