Humility: meaning, definitions and examples

Humility suggests a person has a lower opinion of their importance and is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Often used to describe someone who does not boast about their accomplishments.

• Despite his immense success, he always shows great humility.
• Her humility is evident in the way she always credits her team for their achievements.

Modesty often refers to a person's restraint in presuming or boasting about their abilities or achievements. It can also refer to a manner of dressing and behavior that is not meant to attract sexual attention.

• Her modesty was refreshing in an industry full of self-promoters.
• He always dresses with modesty, avoiding flashy or revealing clothes.

Humbleness is similar to humility but often focuses on the quality of being free from pride or arrogance. It also can stress one's simplicity or not seeking attention.

• His humbleness makes him well-loved in the community.
• She accepted the award with humbleness, despite being a well-known figure.

Meekness often describes someone who is very gentle, submissive, and easily imposed on. It can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying a lack of assertiveness.

• Her meekness was mistaken for weakness, but she was quite resilient.
• He approached the situation with meekness, hoping to avoid conflict.

Lowliness generally implies a lower status or rank. It could have a slightly negative connotation as it suggests inferiority or servitude, although it can also refer to modesty.

• In his lowliness, he never sought positions of power.
• The lowliness of her birth did not deter her from achieving great things.

Humility is used to describe a person's modesty and lack of arrogance. It often involves acknowledging the contributions and importance of others. Positive connotation.

• Despite his great achievements, he always displays humility and gives credit to his team

Piety is used in a religious context to describe a deep respect for God or religious practices. Positive connotation, but can sometimes imply being too focused on religious duties.

• His piety was evident in his regular attendance at church and his charitable works

Devotion refers to strong love or loyalty towards someone or something, often in a spiritual or religious context but also in other deep commitments. Positive connotation.

• Her devotion to her family was evident in the sacrifices she made

Reverence is a deep respect for someone or something, often in a religious context but can also apply to other forms of profound respect. Positive connotation.

• The students showed reverence for their teacher by listening attentively and following her advice