humbly

[ huhm-blee, uhm- ]

adverb

1. in a way that is not proud or arrogant; modestly:

   He humbly accepted the award on behalf of his friends and colleagues.

2. in a way that shows insignificance, inferiority, or subservience:

   I made my suggestions humbly, realizing the vast experience of the others in the room.

3. in a respectfully courteous way:

   I humbly request that you give us some time to discuss this privately.

Other Words From

• o·ver·hum·bly adverb
• qua·si-hum·bly adverb
• un·hum·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbly¹

humb(le) ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From 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.

From The Daily Beast

The phrase “humbly confident” introduces every job ad on YNAB’s careers page.

From Fortune

And much of it, unlike Pappy, is right there on the shelf, humbly, quietly waiting to be tried.

From The Daily Beast

He married a Playboy centerfold and had two sons, the humbly-named Thor and Odin.

From The Daily Beast

In his Twitter handle Spencer now humbly refers to himself as an “international thought criminal.”

From The Daily Beast

To any other journalists interested in following up on our mission, I humbly offer one piece of advice.

From The Daily Beast

Like many great poets and lyricists, Arik seemed to let his words humbly slip into the soul without great fanfare.

From The Daily Beast

"I most humbly thank your lordship," replied the butler with an air of profound gratitude, as he chuckled in his sleeve.

From Project Gutenberg

I humbly petition your Majesty to be pleased to order that he be despatched here, so that this so urgent need may be supplied.

From Project Gutenberg

Dorothy met the request, so humbly made, with heart-felt expressions of gratitude.

From Project Gutenberg

The humbly sympathizing friend became once more the respectful servant, and hurried away to carry out his young mistress's behest.

From Project Gutenberg

I humbly pray thee, most gracious Mother, obtain for me the grace to overcome the bitter results of original sin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apologetically