Word
humility
Phoneticshu·mil·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/hjuˈmɪɫɪti/
UK/hjuːmˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of not thinking you are better or more important than other people. It is about being modest and knowing that you are not perfect.
n. the quality of having a modest or low view of one's own importance. Often associated with a lack of pride or arrogance.
Examples
“He showed great humility by admitting his mistake.”
“Despite her international fame, the scientist spoke with a humility that made everyone in the room feel comfortable.”
“True leadership often requires a delicate balance of confidence and humility, allowing a person to guide others while remaining open to constructive criticism and self-improvement.”
Examples
simple
“He showed great humility by admitting his mistake.”
contextual
“Despite her international fame, the scientist spoke with a humility that made everyone in the room feel comfortable.”
complex
“True leadership often requires a delicate balance of confidence and humility, allowing a person to guide others while remaining open to constructive criticism and self-improvement.”
Usage
Uncountable in its abstract sense; frequently follows the preposition 'with' or the verb 'show'.
Real-World Examples
“First, everyone who insists that they know how Covid began should back off, accept ongoing uncertainty and display a bit more humility.” “In Elder Marshall's words, menaraj pemwije'tul'tik —a Mi'kmaw teaching meaning "to walk together gently"—invites us to live with intention, humility and care for all, including the smallest beings.” Etymology
From Middle English humilite, from Old French (h)umilité, from Latin humilitas (“lowness, meanness, baseness, in Late Latin humility”), from humilis (“low, lowly, humble, earth”). Equivalent to humble + -ity, with /mb/ reduced to /m/ (compare plumbing). Displaced native Old English ēaþmōdnes. Doublet of omertà.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/humility