Synonyms

humbly

American

[huhm-blee, uhm-] / ˈhʌm bli, ˈʌm- /

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.

Other Word Forms

overhumbly adverb
quasi-humbly adverb
unhumbly adverb

Etymology

Origin of humbly

humb(le) ( def. ) + -ly

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

“My energy is contagious, and humbly, once I’m going, everybody is going,” Ausar said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

“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 had never asked for any special consideration, but now I asked Dr. Bright, as humbly as I could, to be excused from the task.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023