humble
humble
/ˈhʌmbl/
(comparative humbler /ˈhʌmblə(r)/ /ˈhʌmblər/, superlative humblest /ˈhʌmblɪst/ /ˈhʌmblɪst/) 1 showing you do not think that you are as important as other people
Be humble enough to learn from your mistakes.
my humble tribute to this great man
2 (ironic or humorous) used to suggest that you are not as important as other people, but in a way that is not sincere or not very serious
In my humble opinion, you were in the wrong.
My humble apologies. I did not understand.
3 having a low rank or social position
a man of humble birth/origins
a humble occupation
the daughter of a humble shopkeeper
4 (of a thing) not large or special in any way
a humble farmhouse
The company has worked its way up from humble beginnings to become the market leader.
Most of us have never considered the humble potato as a precious gift from nature.
Idioms
humble
/ˈhʌmbl/
1 humble somebody to make somebody feel that they are not as good or important as they thought they were
He was humbled by her generosity.
a humbling experience
2 usually passive to easily defeat an opponent, especially a strong or powerful one be humbled The world champion was humbled last night in three rounds.
3 humble yourself to show that you are not too proud to ask for something, admit that you have been wrong, etc.
He refused to humble himself and ask her forgiveness.
Word Origin
Middle English: from Old French, from Latin humilis ‘low, lowly’, from humus ‘ground’.