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.
Elordi nearly shoulders the running time but plays his Hig a bit too humbly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
To help you kick back, I’d humbly suggest:
From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026
"We also very humbly thank them for their selfless and dedicated service and know they will never be forgotten."
From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026
Encouraging officials to vote their minds is an essential element of any plan to reassure voters that the Fed is acting deliberately and humbly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
Doubtless it was one god only, he thought more humbly as he rolled up his mat and started for the storeroom.
From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
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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.
