Humble: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when describing someone who does not boast about their achievements, often showing respect towards others.

• She remained humble despite her incredible success
• The humble man always helped his neighbors

Often used to describe someone who does not brag about their capabilities or achievements, and sometimes about someone who prefers simplicity in dress or lifestyle.

• He gave a modest speech about his accomplishments
• They live in a modest home, but they are very happy

Refers to someone or something that is simple and does not try to be more impressive than it really is. This word emphasizes simplicity and genuineness.

• The restaurant has unpretentious decor but serves excellent food
• She wore an unpretentious dress to the party

Describes a person who is practical, realistic, and unpretentious. Commonly used to highlight someone's straightforward and easy-going nature.

• Her down-to-earth advice was exactly what I needed
• He's a very down-to-earth person despite his wealth

As it duplicates the first entry, the same context and examples apply. Often seen in a positive light, showing respect for others and a lack of arrogance.

• She remained humble despite all her achievements
• He is a humble person who never brags about his successes

Used when someone causes another person to feel ashamed or foolish, usually in public. This word is strongly negative.

• She was humiliated in front of the entire class
• They humiliated him by laughing at his mistake

Implies a process of lowering someone's status or quality, often through mistreatment or disrespect. It has a strong negative connotation.

• They degraded him by making him perform menial tasks
• The degrading comments made her feel worthless

A more formal term used to describe the act of lowering someone's dignity, often in the context of self-abasement. It carries a negative connotation.

• She refused to abase herself by begging for the job
• He abased himself before his superiors