Humility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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humility

[hjuːˈmɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in personal qualities

The quality of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance or rank.

Synonyms

humbleness, lowliness, meekness, modesty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
humility	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	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	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	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	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.

Examples of usage

She accepted the award with humility and grace.
His humility was evident in the way he treated others with respect and kindness.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in religious context

A modest or low view of one's own importance in religious matters.

Synonyms

devotion, piety, reverence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
humility	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	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	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	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

Examples of usage

She practiced humility by serving others without seeking recognition or reward.
Humility is considered a virtue in many spiritual traditions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, humility is considered a virtue, often associated with wisdom and understanding.
Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, emphasize humility as essential for personal growth and enlightenment.
In contrast, some Western cultures may sometimes value assertiveness, complicating the appreciation of humility.

Psychology

Studies show that humble people tend to have better relationships because they listen and empathize more.
Humble individuals are more open to learning, admitting their mistakes, and growing from experiences.
Research links humility with resilience, helping people bounce back from failures.

Literature

In classic literature, characters exhibiting humility often demonstrate depth and moral strength, contrasting with prideful figures.
Humility is a common theme in many religious texts, illustrating the importance of selflessness and compassion.
Shakespeare’s works frequently explore the consequences of hubris, highlighting the value of humility in balancing self-importance.

Pop Culture

In modern media, characters who exhibit humility are often portrayed as relatable and admirable, contrasting with arrogant antagonists.
Public figures and celebrities who embrace humility tend to gain more respect and loyalty from fans.
Reality shows frequently showcase humility as a redeeming quality, illustrating the journey of personal growth for contestants.

Origin of 'humility'

Main points about word origin

The word 'humility' comes from the Latin 'humilitas,' which means 'low' or 'to be humble.'
It is related to the word 'humus,' which means 'earth' in Latin, reflecting a grounded nature.
In Old French, it became 'humilité' before adopting its current English form.

The word 'humility' originated from the Latin word 'humilitas', which is derived from 'humilis' meaning 'low' or 'humble'. The concept of humility has been valued in various cultures and religions throughout history as a virtue that promotes modesty, selflessness, and respect for others.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,071 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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9068 chromium
9069 travelers
9070 filtering
9071 humility
9072 originate
9073 patented
9074 amazed
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