Definition of humble

Short definition: The word humble means having a modest and respectful attitude, without showing pride or arrogance about your achievements. People use it to describe someone who stays grounded, appreciates others, and does not try to appear more important than they really are.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word humble? The word humble is often used to describe someone who does not think they are better than others, even when they have achievements or special talents. It can also describe situations that feel simple, modest, and free from showing off. In everyday life, being humble is usually seen as a positive and admirable quality. Below, each meaning is explained in a natural and human way, so it feels easy to understand and real.

Forms: humble, humbler, humblest, humbled, humbling
Related: humility n.
Syllable: hum-ble

1. Not thinking you are better than other people.

   Someone who is humble does not brag about their success or look down on others. Even if they are talented or famous, they stay respectful and grounded. This kind of attitude often makes people feel comfortable and valued around them.

   Despite his success, he stayed humble.
   She is humble about her achievements.
   The leader remained humble and listened to everyone.

   Synonyms: modest, down-to-earth, unpretentious, grounded, respectful, simple-hearted, low-key, unassuming, sincere, gentle, considerate, plain
   Antonyms: arrogant, proud, boastful, egotistical, vain, show-offy, self-important, conceited, overconfident, stuck-up, snobbish, pretentious

2. Simple and not fancy or expensive.

   Humble can also describe things that are plain, simple, and modest. A humble home, job, or lifestyle may not look impressive, but it often feels warm, honest, and full of real value.

   They lived in a humble little house near the river.
   He started from humble beginnings.
   The meal was simple but wonderfully humble.

   Synonyms: simple, modest, plain, basic, unpretentious, low-cost, ordinary, downscaled, small-scale, simple-living, quiet-style, no-frills
   Antonyms: luxurious, fancy, grand, expensive, flashy, rich-looking, high-end, extravagant, showy, glamorous, deluxe, upscale

3. Showing respect by lowering yourself.

   In some situations, humble describes the act of showing deep respect, especially toward someone you admire. It can mean putting aside pride to honor others.

   He spoke in a humble way to thank his teachers.
   She gave a humble apology for her mistake.
   They accepted the award with a humble smile.

   Synonyms: respectful, polite, modest in manner, gentle, soft-spoken, deferential, courteous, considerate, low-profile, sincere in tone, mild-mannered, humble-minded
   Antonyms: disrespectful, rude, arrogant in manner, loud, pushy, demanding, aggressive, boastful in tone, overbearing, dominant, entitled, proud-acting

4. To make someone realize their limits.

   As a verb, humble means to make someone less proud by reminding them that they are not perfect. It often happens through experience, such as failure, loss, or learning from mistakes.

   The defeat humbled the overconfident team.
   Life sometimes humbles us in unexpected ways.
   The experience humbled him deeply.

   Synonyms: make modest, bring down to earth, ground someone, teach humility, lower pride, soften ego, reality-check someone, put in perspective, calm arrogance, cool pride, tone down ego, correct attitude
   Antonyms: inflate ego, praise excessively, boost pride, glorify, flatter, elevate pride, overpraise, spoil with praise, build arrogance, feed ego, hype up, overvalue

5. A quality that makes people easier to respect.

   Humble can also describe a personal quality that draws people in. When someone stays kind and grounded, others often feel more comfortable, trusted, and inspired by them.

   His humble nature earned everyone’s respect.
   She is admired for her humble attitude.
   They loved her for staying humble.

   Synonyms: admirable trait, grounded quality, modest character, respectful nature, gentle personality, sincere attitude, kind spirit, warm nature, down-to-earth quality, calm presence, friendly character, approachable manner
   Antonyms: arrogance, prideful nature, conceited attitude, ego-driven personality, boastful character, vain quality, self-centered nature, superiority complex, stuck-up attitude, inflated ego, overconfidence, snobbishness