humble
/'hʌmbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance: "humble" describes a person who does not think they are better or more important than others.
- Of low social, administrative, or political rank: "humble" can refer to a low or modest position in society.
- Having a low value or quality; not grand or special: "humble" can describe something simple, plain, or unimpressive.
Verb:
- To lower (someone) in dignity or importance; to make (someone) feel less proud or important: "humble" means to cause someone to feel shame or to lose pride.
Examples of Usage
Adjective:
- She is very humble about her success. (She does not boast about her achievements.)
- He comes from a humble background. (His family origins are modest or of low social rank.)
- They live in a humble cottage. (They live in a small, simple house.)
Verb:
- The defeat humbled the champion. (The loss made the champion feel less proud.)
- He was humbled by the generosity of strangers. (Their kindness made him feel modest and less self-important.)
Advanced Usage
"To eat humble pie": To admit that one was wrong and apologize.
- After his mistake was exposed, he had to eat humble pie. (He had to admit his error and apologize.)
"In my humble opinion (IMHO)": A phrase used to introduce a statement modestly, suggesting it is just one person's view.
- In my humble opinion, the plan needs more work. (This is my modest suggestion.)
"Humble beginnings": A simple or lowly origin from which someone or something started.
- The billionaire never forgot his humble beginnings. (He remembered his simple origins.)
Variants and Related Words
Humbly (adverb): In a humble manner.
- He humbly accepted the award. (He accepted the award with modesty.)
Humbleness (noun): The quality of being humble.
- Her humbleness is one of her most admirable traits. (Her modesty is admirable.)
Synonyms
- Modest: Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.
- Meek: Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.
- Unpretentious: Not attempting to impress others with an appearance of greater importance or merit than is actually possessed.
Antonyms
- Arrogant: Having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
- Proud: Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements.
- Haughty: Arrogantly superior and disdainful.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms
"Humble oneself": To act in a way that shows one is not proud; to lower one's dignity.
- He humbled himself and asked for forgiveness. (He lowered his pride and apologized.)
"Humble abode": A humorous or modest way to refer to one's home.
- Welcome to my humble abode! (Welcome to my simple home!)
Adjective
- of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense)
- baseborn wretches with dirty faces
- of humble (or lowly) birth
- used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
- marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
- a humble apology
- essentially humble...and self-effacing, he achieved the highest formal honors and distinctions- B.K.Malinowski
- low or inferior in station or quality
- a humble cottage
- a lowly parish priest
- a modest man of the people
- small beginnings
Verb
- cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
- He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
- cause to be unpretentious
- This experience will humble him