humility
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of humility
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English humilite, from Latin humilitās; see humble, -ty 2
Compare meaning
How does humility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Humility is the quality of being humble. If you meet one of your heroes and feel nervous and in awe of her, you are experiencing humility. Humility comes from the Latin word humilis, which literally means "low." If you feel humility in front of someone, you feel small in the scheme of things — that you are just a simple, insignificant person. Someone who spends his life taking care of others shows humility. Although it's related to humiliation (which makes you feel low in a bad way), humility is usually used to talk about a lack of ego.
Vocabulary lists containing humility
Tuesdays with Morrie
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The Old Man and the Sea
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Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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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.
To show humility, businesses can scale back a compliment when repeating it or shift the credit to others directly involved in the experience.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
It was a revealing piece of humility, especially given some supporters suggested a sense of being tired of Wales – and their head coach – "talking a good game".
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026
When Sheen did encounter diverging opinions, his profound humility and willingness to admit mistakes only increased the respect his contemporaries had for him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
“There’s a level of surrender and humility that comes with surfing and that comes with being in nature. ... You have to be so present in such a way that makes you a stronger person.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026
“Oh, nothing much,” Shanti said with practiced humility.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
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.
