humble
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not proud or not thinking that you are better than other people.
adj.having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
Simple“Despite his great success, he remained a humble man who always helped his neighbors.”
In context“The scientist was remarkably humble about her discovery, insisting that the credit belonged to the entire research collective rather than herself.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.simple and not expensive; having a low social position.
adj.of low social, administrative, or political rank; simple and unpretentious in quality.
Simple“He grew up in a humble home in a small fishing village.”
In context“The billionaire often spoke of his humble beginnings, working three jobs to pay for his first year of university tuition.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.an arrest made by police just to annoy or disrespect someone, even without good evidence.
n.an arrest made on weak or non-existent evidence, intended primarily to demean, punish, or exert control over the subject.
Simple“The lawyer argued that the arrest was just a humble to keep his client off the street.”
In context“Civil rights advocates criticized the frequent use of the 'humble' as a tactic to intimidate local activists without filing formal charges.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'a humble' or 'the humble' within specific legal or activist subcultures.
Synonyms
“In public, Beard consistently adopted a humble attitude towards his success.”
“A global symbol of parties and celebrations but an environmental headache, the humble balloon is undergoing a green revolution thanks to U.K.”