What Is Humble? Definition And Usage Of This Term
WHAT IS HUMBLE – In this topic, we will first know the definition of this term and how is this term used in sentences.
Definition
The Oxford Dictionary described this term as the following:
- having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.
- (of an action or thought) offered with or affected by a modest estimate of one’s own importance.
- of low social, administrative, or political rank.
- (of a thing) of modest pretensions or dimensions.
- lower (someone) in dignity or importance.
- decisively defeat (another team or competitor, typically one that was previously thought to be superior).
On the other hand, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines this term as the following:
- not proud or haughty
- not arrogant or assertive
- reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission
- ranking low in a hierarchy or scale
- to destroy the power, independence, or prestige of
Synonyms
Here are some of the following synonyms:
- meek
- deferential
- respectful
- submissive
- self-effacing
- humiliate
- abase
- demean
- belittle
- lower
- defeat
- beat
- beat hollow
- crush
- trounce
Etymology
It is a Middle English term derived from the Latin term humilis or ‘low, lowly’.
Examples
Here are some of the examples:
- The executive chef had humble beginnings, starting his culinary career as a dishwasher and then working his way up through the kitchen.
- Last year’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize was very humble about his accomplishments.
- He was very humble about saving the babies from the fire and refused to accept an award from the orphanage.
- Those plants of whose greenness withered we make herb tea for the sick serve but a humble use, and are most employed by quacks.
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