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
- overhumbly adverb
- quasi-humbly adverb
- unhumbly adverb
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.
"I really want to celebrate the fact that there are so many women around the world who are working so humbly on domestic skills ... like sewing, hand knitting," she said.
From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026
“A few of the seventh graders I guess they know me kind of,” Lappe said humbly.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026
“We ask humbly, don’t be mistaken. We’re ready to defend this country. You’re not going to intimidate us.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025
“I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” Adams humbly submitted on camera as he sat next to a large headshot of his late mother, with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” playing in the background.
From Slate • Sep. 29, 2025
“I can only humbly thank you, and beg your pardon that I have not been truthful. One day you will know why.”
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.
