The word "humble" is an adjective that describes someone or something that does not boast about their abilities, achievements, or importance. It can also refer to situations or things that are simple or not of high status.
Simple Explanation:
Meaning:
Low Status: When someone comes from a humble background, it means they do not come from a wealthy or high-status family.
Not Proud: A humble person does not think they are better than others; they are modest and meek.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "humble" to describe people, actions, or things. For example, you might say someone is humble if they don’t brag about their accomplishments.
It’s often used in positive contexts to show respect for someone's modesty.
Examples:
Describing a Person: "She is a humble teacher who never boasts about her awards."
Describing a Place: "They live in a humble cottage in the countryside."
Describing an Action: "He offered a humble apology for his mistake."
Advanced Usage:
Humble Origins: This phrase can describe someone who has achieved great success despite coming from a modest background.
Humble Pie: This idiom means to admit one’s mistakes or to be humbled after being proud.
Word Variants:
Humbly (adverb): Means doing something in a humble manner. Example: "She humbly accepted the award."
Humility (noun): The quality of being humble. Example: "True humility is recognizing your own limitations."
Different Meanings:
Social Context: In social contexts, humble can refer to someone who is down-to-earth and approachable.
Emotional Context: It can also relate to feelings; for example, an experience that makes you realize your smallness or limitations can be humbling.
Synonyms:
Modest
Unpretentious
Meek
Lowly
Subdued
Antonyms:
Idioms:
Phrasal Verbs:
While "humble" does not commonly combine with phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases like "humble oneself," which means to lower one's pride and act modestly.
Summary:
"Humble" is a positive word used to describe a lack of arrogance or pride, often associated with modesty and simplicity.