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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Humble

ˈhəmbəl
Very common
~ 2100
~ 2100, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance, Of low social, administrative, or political rank, Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit

Humble - Meanings

Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance

Example: She is a humble person who never boasts about her achievements.
Usage: formalContext: professional environments, discussions about personal qualities
Note: Often associated with being unassuming and not seeking attention or praise.

Of low social, administrative, or political rank

Example: He came from a humble background but worked hard to achieve success.
Usage: neutralContext: discussions about social status, background, or origins
Note: Can refer to someone's socio-economic status or lack of pretentiousness.

Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit

Example: The leader's humble demeanor endeared him to his followers.
Usage: formalContext: describing personality traits, leadership qualities
Note: Implies a lack of arrogance or pride, often associated with being down-to-earth.

Humble's synonyms

modest

Modest refers to having a humble opinion of oneself and showing a moderate or unassuming estimation of one's abilities or achievements.
Example: She is known for her modest demeanor and humble attitude.
Note: Modest emphasizes a lack of pretentiousness or boastfulness.

unassuming

Unassuming describes someone who is modest, humble, and not drawing attention to themselves or their achievements.
Example: Despite his success, he remains unassuming and down-to-earth.
Note: Unassuming suggests a lack of arrogance or self-importance.

meek

Meek suggests being submissive, gentle, and easily imposed on; it can also imply a humble or modest demeanor.
Example: She spoke in a meek voice, showing her humble nature.
Note: Meek often carries a connotation of being overly submissive or docile.

down-to-earth

Down-to-earth describes someone who is practical, realistic, and unpretentious, often associated with being humble and unaffected.
Example: Despite his wealth, he remains down-to-earth and approachable.
Note: Down-to-earth implies a practical and realistic approach to life.

unpretentious

Unpretentious refers to being modest or humble, without attempting to impress others with a false appearance of importance, elegance, or sophistication.
Example: The restaurant had an unpretentious atmosphere, making guests feel welcome and at ease.
Note: Unpretentious emphasizes a lack of pretense or artificiality.

Humble expressions, common phrases

Stay humble

This phrase means to remain modest and not boastful, even in the face of achievements or recognition.
Example: She always reminds herself to stay humble despite her success.
Note: The phrase 'stay humble' specifically emphasizes the ongoing action of being humble rather than just the state of being humble.

Humble beginnings

Refers to starting from a modest or simple origin or background.
Example: Coming from humble beginnings, he worked hard to achieve success.
Note: The term 'humble beginnings' highlights the starting point or origin of a person or thing, often suggesting a contrast with their current status.

Humble pie

To admit one's faults or errors and apologize in a humble manner.
Example: After his mistake was revealed, he had to eat humble pie in front of his colleagues.
Note: The term 'humble pie' is a metaphorical expression, referring to the act of swallowing one's pride or ego.

Humble oneself

To lower oneself in position or attitude, usually in a show of respect or contrition.
Example: He had to humble himself and apologize for his rude behavior.
Note: The phrase 'humble oneself' implies a deliberate action of putting aside pride or arrogance voluntarily.

Humble brag

To boast or show off under the guise of modesty or self-deprecation.
Example: She always manages to slip in a humble brag about her achievements in conversations.
Note: A 'humble brag' involves a subtle form of self-promotion disguised as humility, often to draw attention to one's accomplishments.

Keep it humble

To maintain a modest and unassuming attitude or behavior.
Example: Let's keep it humble and focus on our work rather than seeking recognition.
Note: The phrase 'keep it humble' emphasizes the need to maintain simplicity and modesty in actions or interactions.

Humble opinion

Used to express a modest or unassuming viewpoint or belief.
Example: In my humble opinion, I believe we should approach this issue with caution.
Note: The term 'humble opinion' is a polite way to offer one's perspective without appearing arrogant or overconfident.

Humble everyday (slang) expressions

Real one

In slang, calling someone a 'real one' means acknowledging their authenticity, loyalty, and genuine character. It implies that the person is trustworthy and supportive.
Example: She's a real one for always helping others without seeking recognition.
Note: While 'humble' suggests modesty and unpretentiousness, calling someone a 'real one' emphasizes qualities like loyalty and authenticity.

Down to earth

To describe someone as 'down to earth' means that they are unpretentious, approachable, and humble. It implies that the person is grounded and not concerned with airs or pretensions.
Example: Despite her success, she remains down to earth and treats everyone with kindness.
Note: Unlike 'humble,' which primarily relates to modesty, 'down to earth' conveys a broader sense of approachability and lack of pretentiousness.

Salt of the earth

Referring to someone as the 'salt of the earth' praises their essential goodness, reliability, and kindness. It suggests that the person is valuable, genuine, and down-to-earth.
Example: He's the salt of the earth, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Note: While 'humble' focuses on modesty, 'salt of the earth' emphasizes a person's fundamental goodness and kindness towards others.

Genuine article

Calling someone the 'genuine article' means recognizing their authenticity, honesty, and realness. It suggests that the person is true to themselves and others without pretense.
Example: She's the genuine article, always staying true to herself no matter what.
Note: Unlike 'humble,' which is more focused on modesty, 'genuine article' highlights authenticity and honesty in a person's character.

Humble - Examples

Humble yourself before the Lord.
She was a humble servant of the church.
He lived in a humble cottage in the countryside.

Humble grammar

Humble - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: humble
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): humbler
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): humblest
Adjective (Adjective): humble
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): humbled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): humbling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): humbles
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): humble
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): humble
Syllables, Separation and Stress
humble Contains 2 syllables: hum • ble
Phonetic transcription: ˈhəm-bəl
hum ble , ˈhəm bəl (The red syllable is stressed)

Humble - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
humble: ~ 2100 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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