humility
C1Formal, Literary, Religious
Definition
Meaning
A personal quality of being humble, modest, and having a low view of one's own importance or achievements.
The virtue of recognizing one's limitations and the worth of others, often accompanied by a lack of arrogance and a willingness to submit to authority or a higher power.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an uncountable abstract noun. Often carries a positive connotation as a virtue, but can imply undue self-abasement in some contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. The concept is equally common and used in similar registers in both varieties.
Connotations
Often associated with Christian virtue in both cultures. Slightly more prevalent in religious or philosophical discourse.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
humility before/in the face of [someone/something]humility to [do something]humility in [doing something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “eat humble pie (related concept)”
- “to be brought low”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often cited as a key leadership quality, e.g., 'His humility allowed him to listen to junior team members.'
Academic
Discussed in philosophy, theology, and ethics as a virtue. E.g., 'The paper examines humility as a corrective to intellectual arrogance.'
Everyday
Used to praise someone's character, e.g., 'For all her success, she has never lost her humility.'
Technical
Not typically a technical term, but appears in psychological scales (e.g., measures of humility).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was humbled by the experience.
- The team's defeat humbled their star player.
American English
- She humbled herself before the committee.
- The scandal humbled the once-arrogant CEO.
adverb
British English
- He lived humbly despite his wealth.
- She humbly accepted the award.
American English
- I humbly request your assistance.
- He spoke humbly about his achievements.
adjective
British English
- He gave a humble apology for the oversight.
- They live in a humble terraced house.
American English
- She comes from a humble background.
- He offered a humble suggestion during the meeting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It is good to have humility.
- He is a man of great humility.
- The famous scientist spoke with great humility.
- She accepted the prize with humility and thanked her team.
- True leadership requires a degree of humility and the ability to listen.
- After his failure, he learned some much-needed humility.
- Her intellectual humility allowed her to consider opposing viewpoints without prejudice.
- The monarch's display of humility in the face of public adulation was widely noted.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HUMILITY sounds like 'human' + 'ability'. Think: The ABILITY to see yourself as just a HUMAN, not superior to others.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMILITY IS DOWN/LOW (e.g., 'She brought him down a peg.' 'He took a humble stance.' 'He lowered himself before them.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'скромность' (modesty) in all contexts, as 'humility' has a stronger component of submission or low self-estimation. 'Смирение' is a closer, more religious translation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'humbleness' (less common, slightly awkward noun form). Incorrect: 'He showed great humbleness.' Correct: 'He showed great humility.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest antonym for 'humility'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Humility is an accurate, often voluntary assessment of oneself without arrogance. Low self-esteem is a negative, often inaccurate self-perception involving feelings of worthlessness.
Rarely. It is almost always positive. However, 'false humility' is hypocrisy, and in some contexts, excessive humility can be seen as a lack of necessary confidence or self-assertion.
The related adjective is 'humble'. The quality itself is 'humility'.
Generally no. As an uncountable/abstract noun, it's typically used without an article (e.g., 'He has humility') or with a modifier that makes it specific (e.g., 'He has a quiet humility', 'He has the humility of a saint').