humbly

[ huhm-blee, uhm- ]

/ ˈhʌm bli, ˈʌm- /

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See synonyms for humbly on Thesaurus.com

adverb

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.

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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

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Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

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Origin of humbly

humb(le) + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM humbly

o·ver·hum·bly, adverbqua·si-hum·bly, adverbun·hum·bly, adverb

Words nearby humbly

humbled, humbleness, humble pie, humble plant, humbling, humbly, Humboldt, Humboldt Bay, Humboldt Current, Humboldt Peak, humbucker

How to use humbly in a sentence

Rather than doubling down on his well-known earlier positions, Kennedy humbly acknowledges his changed opinions after thinking about our messy social relationships for many decades.
A scholar of race relations says he’s now less optimistic|Daniel Fryer|September 10, 2021|Washington Post
The editor, a 31-year-old Piers Morgan, apologized to anyone the paper had offended, and humbly canceled plans to drive a tank to the Germany Embassy.
England vs Germany Offers End to 25 Years of Hurt for One Man, and a Nation|Dan Stewart|June 28, 2021|Time
“We thank you all for your support throughout the years & we humbly ask for privacy & understanding during this new season of change,” the former couple wrote.
Blair Underwood and Desiree DaCosta Are Divorcing After 27 Years Of Marriage|Charli Penn|May 31, 2021|Essence.com
I realize that for most people this is something that is so far out of reach right now, so in moments like these, I am humbly reminded of how privileged my life is.
Kim Kardashian Denies She Got COVID-19 During Reckless Vacation and Partying. Is That the Whole Truth?|Cheyenne Roundtree|May 28, 2021|The Daily Beast

The phrase “humbly confident” introduces every job ad on YNAB’s careers page.
How 2020 Best Small Workplace YNAB recruits and retains great people|lbelanger225|October 16, 2020|Fortune
And much of it, unlike Pappy, is right there on the shelf, humbly, quietly waiting to be tried.
The Cult of Pappy van Winkle|Eric Felten|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He married a Playboy centerfold and had two sons, the humbly-named Thor and Odin.
The Zillionaires Who Lost Everything|Tom Sykes|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In his Twitter handle Spencer now humbly refers to himself as an “international thought criminal.”
A Racist’s Crazy Ski Resort Smackdown|James Kirchick|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To any other journalists interested in following up on our mission, I humbly offer one piece of advice.
My Search for the Taliban Five|Josh Rogin|June 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Like many great poets and lyricists, Arik seemed to let his words humbly slip into the soul without great fanfare.
The Trouble With Mourning Arik Einstein As Diaspora Jews|Mira Sucharov|November 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
"I most humbly thank your lordship," replied the butler with an air of profound gratitude, as he chuckled in his sleeve.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
I humbly petition your Majesty to be pleased to order that he be despatched here, so that this so urgent need may be supplied.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
Dorothy met the request, so humbly made, with heart-felt expressions of gratitude.
The World Before Them|Susanna Moodie
The humbly sympathizing friend became once more the respectful servant, and hurried away to carry out his young mistress's behest.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
I humbly pray thee, most gracious Mother, obtain for me the grace to overcome the bitter results of original sin.
Mary, Help of Christians|Various