humbleness
Americannoun
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the quality or state of being modest and lacking in pride or arrogance.
We need to teach a different kind of leadership, one where humbleness is more important than confidence.
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the quality or state of being or feeling low in rank, importance, status, worth, etc.
We observed the humbleness of the local homes, but also the hard-working ethic of the people who lived in them.
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the quality or state of being courteously respectful.
Respect and humbleness will get you far in dealing with people from other places and cultures.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of humbleness
Compare meaning
How does humbleness compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Humbleness is a quality of being modest or unpretentious. Your humbleness is what keeps you from bragging about all the places you've traveled and the many languages you speak. True humbleness is characterized by humility and a certain quietness or reserve. Showing off, exaggerating your accomplishments, and refusing to listen to other people's advice and opinions are all the opposite of humbleness. Sometimes this noun is also used to mean an ordinary or lowly state: "The humbleness of her upbringing made paying for college a struggle."
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.
"Humbleness is in order; there is no excuse for scientific conceit here."
From Salon • Aug. 12, 2022
Humbleness is in order; there is no excuse for scientific conceit here.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
Humbleness swept over her and she blamed herself for the petty thoughts concerning him that had been in her mind.
From Marching Men by Anderson, Sherwood
Humbleness, truthfulness, and harmlessness, Patience and honour, reverence for the wise.
From The Song celestial; or, Bhagabad-gîtâ (from the Mahâbhârata) being a discourse between Arjuna, prince of India, and the Supreme Being under the form of Krishna by Arnold, Edwin, Sir
Still thou speakest with thy children Freely as in eld sublime; Humbleness, and love, and patience, Still give empire over time.
From Poems of James Russell Lowell With biographical sketch by Nathan Haskell Dole by Lowell, James Russell
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.
