1
Core quality
Modest and not arrogant about one's importance, abilities, or achievements.
Example
Despite her fame, the scientist remained humble.
humble
/ˈhʌmbəl/ · HUM-buladjective
Modest and not arrogant about one's importance, abilities, or achievements.
Use humble to express this relationship precisely: modest and not arrogant about one's importance, abilities, or achievements.
What humble Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
His humble response credited the entire team.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The memoir presents its celebrated author as surprisingly humble.
Use humble Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Despite her fame, the scientist remained humble.
His humble response credited the entire team.
The memoir presents its celebrated author as surprisingly humble.
Precision Matters
Humble overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
humble
vs.Means modest and not arrogant about one's importance, abilities, or achievements.
magnanimous
Means generous, forgiving, and noble in spirit, especially toward a rival or defeated opponent.
humble
vs.Means modest and not arrogant about one's importance, abilities, or achievements.
amiable
Means friendly, pleasant, and good-natured.
humble
vs.Means modest and not arrogant about one's importance, abilities, or achievements.
eminent
Means highly respected, distinguished, and prominent within a profession or field.
humble
vs.Means modest and not arrogant about one's importance, abilities, or achievements.
ostentatious
Means showy, elaborate, or conspicuously designed to attract attention and impress others.
Test humble in Context
She is modest rather than proud or self-important.
1
The winner was ___ enough to emphasise her mentors' contributions rather than her own.