humility

noun

hu·mil·i·ty | \ hyü-ˈmi-lə-tē

, yü-\

Definition of humility

: freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble accepted the honor with humility The ordeal taught her humility.

Synonyms & Antonyms Humility: Its Use and Meaning More Example Sentences Learn More about humility

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Humility: Its Use and Meaning

Humility means “the state of being humble.” Both it and humble have their origin in the Latin word humilis, meaning "low."

Humble can be used to describe what is ranked low by others, as in "persons of humble origins." People also use the word of themselves and things associated with themselves; if you describe yourself as "but a humble editor" or refer to your home as your "humble abode," you are saying that neither you nor your home is very impressive.

Like this latter use of humble, the kind of lowness expressed in the word humility is typically one chosen by oneself. Here are some examples of humility in use:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
— Proverbs 11:2

A sudden humility descended upon the King. He felt, as so many men were to feel in similar circumstances in ages to come, as though he were a child looking eagerly for guidance to an all-wise master—a child, moreover, handicapped by water on the brain, feet three sizes too large for him, and hands consisting mainly of thumbs.
— P. G. Wodehouse, The Clicking of Cuthbert, 1922

Eating grits and fatback for breakfast and washing up every morning in cold water from a hydrant in the backyard helped one learn humility and humanity.
— Julius Lester, Falling Pieces of Broken Sky, 1990

I realize now that she had an awareness of the nature of the order of life, and of the necessity of living with and respecting that order. With this respect comes a necessary humility that we, with our early-21st-century chutzpah, lack at our peril.
— Bill Joy, Wired, April 2000

Who has not gazed at the night sky, mouth slightly agape? The experience is so common, its effects so uniform, that a standard vocabulary has evolved to describe it. Invariably we speak of the profound humility we feel before the enormity of the universe. We are as bits of dust in a spectacle whose scope beggars the imagination, whose secrets make a mockery of reason.
— Edwin Dobb, Harper's, February 1995

If leadership has a secret sauce, it may well be humility. A humble boss understands that there are things he doesn't know. He listens: not only to the other bigwigs in Davos, but also to the kind of people who don't get invited, such as his customers.
—The Economist, 26 Jan. 2013

For many, the lowness in both humility and humble is something worth cultivating.

Examples of humility in a Sentence

He accepted the honor with humility. The ordeal taught her humility.

Recent Examples on the Web

His humility was always obvious in his generosity and willingness to help. — Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, "Memphis BBQ Legend Nick Vergos of Rendezvous Has Died," 6 Sep. 2019 Their humility is remarkable in the overheated atmosphere of an NFL locker room. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Paul Daugherty: Clint Boling is walking away at the right time, for the right reasons," 15 July 2019 Tom Van Arsdale says by phone from his home in Arizona, his humility not allowing him to take credit for nudging pickup basketball in Speedway toward integration. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Home to McGinnis, Mount and the greatest pick-up basketball in Indiana," 10 July 2019 Also impressive was his humility and adherence to the perfection and craftsmanship that transforms fashion into couture. — Jasmine Contomichalos, Vogue, "Inside The Vogue100's Whirlwind Couture Week Tour," 9 July 2019 In Buzz, Woody found his humility; in Jessie, his soul; in Bo Peep, his future. — Marc Snetiker, EW.com, "What the ending of Toy Story 4 means for the franchise," 22 June 2019 Both Powell and Lagarde have enough economic knowledge and humility, to consult with economists, and know when to put economic interests above politics. — Allison Schrager, Quartz, "Newly named European Central Bank head Christine Lagarde isn’t an economist—and that’s good news," 4 July 2019 That requires a lot of regularity and a certain form of humility — a willingness to accept what’s doable over what’s ideal. — Titus Techera, National Review, "A Teacher Confronts Reality," 26 June 2019 Muilenburg said, repeating that the company had made a new commitment to humility as a result. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, "Boeing Won’t Rename the 737 MAX," 26 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'humility.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for humility

humility

noun

English Language Learners Definition of humility

: the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people : the quality or state of being humble

See the full definition for humility in the English Language Learners Dictionary

humility

noun

hu·mil·i·ty | \ hyü-ˈmi-lə-tē

, yü-\

Kids Definition of humility

: the quality of being humble She accepted the award with humility.

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humility

Definition of humility

Synonyms & Antonyms for humility

Humility: Its Use and Meaning

Examples of humility in a Sentence

First Known Use of humility

English Language Learners Definition of humility

Kids Definition of humility

humility

Definition of humility

Synonyms & Antonyms for humility

Humility: Its Use and Meaning

Examples of humility in a Sentence

First Known Use of humility

English Language Learners Definition of humility

Kids Definition of humility

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