/ ˈhʌmbl; NAmE / adjective , verb
■ adjective ( hum·bler / ˈhʌmblə(r); NAmE / hum·blest / ˈhʌmblɪst; NAmE /)
1.
showing you do not think that you are as important as other people
SYN modest :
Be humble enough to learn from your mistakes.
my humble tribute to this great man
—see also humility
2.
( ironic or humorous ) used to suggest that you are not as important as other people, but in a way that is not sincere or not very serious :
In my humble opinion , you were in the wrong.
My humble apologies . I did not understand.
3.
having a low rank or social position :
a man of humble birth / origins
a humble occupation
the daughter of a humble shopkeeper
4.
( of a thing ) not large or special in any way
SYN modest :
a humble farmhouse
The company has worked its way up from humble beginnings to become the market leader.
► hum·bly / ˈhʌmbli; NAmE / adverb :
I would humbly suggest that there is something wrong here.
'Sorry,' she said humbly.
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IDIOMS
see eat
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
to make sb feel that they are not as good or important as they thought they were :
He was humbled by her generosity.
a humbling experience
2.
[ usually passive ] to easily defeat an opponent, especially a strong or powerful one :
The world champion was humbled last night in three rounds.
3.
~ yourself to show that you are not too proud to ask for sth, admit that you have been wrong, etc.
—see also humility
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French , from Latin humilis low, lowly, from humus ground.