self-deprecating
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Conscious of your own shortcomings: Describes a person, their manner, or their humor that shows they are aware of their own faults or weaknesses and are willing to talk about them, often in a modest or humorous way.
Usage
- The word self-deprecating is used to describe a person's attitude, speech, or behavior. It typically has a positive connotation, suggesting humility, modesty, and a lack of arrogance. It is often applied to humor where the speaker makes fun of themselves.
Examples
- Adjective:
- She gave a self-deprecating laugh when she tripped on the stage.
- His self-deprecating humor made him very likable and approachable.
- In a self-deprecating tone, he admitted he was not an expert on the subject.
Advanced Usage
"self-deprecating wit": A specific type of clever humor that involves making jokes about oneself.
- The comedian was known for his sharp self-deprecating wit, always poking fun at his own life.
"self-deprecating manner": A way of behaving that consistently shows modesty about one's own abilities.
- Despite his great success, he retained a self-deprecating manner that endeared him to his colleagues.
Variants and Related Words
Self-deprecation (noun): The action or habit of belittling or undervaluing oneself; modesty about one's own abilities.
- His constant self-deprecation sometimes made it hard for others to recognize his talents.
Self-deprecatory (adjective): A less common synonym for self-deprecating.
- He made a few self-deprecatory remarks about his cooking skills.
Synonyms
- Modest: Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities.
- Humble: Having or showing a low view of one's own importance.
- Self-effacing: Not claiming attention for oneself; retiring and modest.
Antonyms
- Arrogant: Having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance.
- Conceited: Excessively proud of oneself.
- Boastful: Showing excessive pride in oneself.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To laugh at oneself: To be able to find humor in one's own mistakes or flaws; closely related to having a self-deprecating attitude.
- The ability to laugh at oneself is a sign of emotional maturity.
Adjective
- conscious of your own shortcomings