humble

Aware of your weaknesses and not acting as if your abilities or achievements make you better than others.

• She is kind and humble.
• He remained humble after winning the prize.
• Despite their success, the team stayed humble.

Similar words: modest, unassuming

Opposites: arrogant, proud

Common phrases: humble person, remain humble, humble attitude

Simple and ordinary, without anything expensive, grand, or special.

• They shared a humble meal.
• He grew up in a humble home.
• The business rose from humble beginnings.

Similar words: simple, modest, plain

Opposites: grand, luxurious

Common phrases: humble home, humble beginnings, humble meal, humble cottage

Not proud or self-important, sometimes because you have little social power or status.

• He spoke in a humble voice.
• She began in a humble position at the company.
• In my humble opinion, we should wait.

Similar words: modest, lowly, unassuming

Opposites: proud, arrogant

Common phrases: humble servant, humble position, humble opinion

To make someone realize they are less important, skilled, or impressive than they thought.

• The experience humbled me.
• Her kindness humbled everyone in the room.
• He was humbled by how much he still had to learn.

How to use it: be humbled by something (I was humbled by the children's courage.)

Similar words: make modest, take down a peg

Common phrases: humble someone, deeply humble someone, humble oneself

To defeat someone easily, especially when they were expected to win.

• The young team humbled the champions.
• We were humbled by a much smaller club.
• Can these newcomers humble the tournament favorites?

Similar words: crush, trounce, defeat

Common phrases: humble the champions, humble an opponent, humble a team

People who are not proud, or who have little social power or status.

• The humble deserve respect.
• The story gives the humble a voice.
• The proud ignored the needs of the humble.

How to use it: the humble + plural verb (The humble are often overlooked.)

Similar words: the meek, the lowly

Opposites: the proud

Common phrases: the humble, among the humble, protect the humble