1. Humility (noun): A modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness.
2. Humility (noun): The quality of being humble in spirit or manner, free from pride or arrogance.
3. Humility (noun): A disposition to be humble and to recognize one's limitations.

"Humility" represents a state of modesty and the absence of arrogance, often regarded as a virtue across various cultural, spiritual, and ethical systems. It encourages individuals to acknowledge their limitations while remaining open to growth and learning. Continue reading to explore the term's definitions, usage, synonyms, antonyms, and more.

"Humility" Definition: What Does "Humility" Mean?

"Humility" refers to a mindset or quality characterized by modesty, self-awareness, and an absence of prideful behavior. It is often seen as a foundational virtue in interpersonal relationships and self-improvement.

Definition of "Humility": Modesty

This definition emphasizes a restrained or humble perspective of one's abilities or status.

Definition of "Humility": Humbleness

It highlights a state of being free from arrogance and self-importance.

Definition of "Humility": Self-awareness

This refers to an honest acknowledgment of one's strengths and limitations.

Parts of Speech

"Humility" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the quality or state of being humble. It is rarely used in any other grammatical form. While most commonly seen in spiritual or moral discussions, it can also appear in philosophical and self-help contexts.

How to Pronounce "Humility"?

The word "humility" is pronounced as "hyoo-MIL-uh-tee." It has four syllables, with the emphasis placed on the second syllable. The first part, "hyoo," sounds like the word "hue," referring to a color shade. The second syllable, "mil," sounds like "mill," as in a factory or grinding tool. The third syllable, "uh," is a soft sound, similar to the 'a' in "sofa." The final syllable, "tee," rhymes with "tea," as in the beverage. When saying "humility," make sure to emphasize the "MIL" sound while keeping the other syllables smooth and connected.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /hjuːˈmɪlɪti/

Synonyms of "Humility": Other Ways to Say "Humility"

Synonyms offer alternative words that convey similar meanings.

• Modesty
• Meekness
• Humbleness
• Unpretentiousness
• Self-effacement
• Lowliness
• Reserve
• Timidity

Antonyms of "Humility": Other Ways to Say "Humility"

Antonyms highlight opposing qualities or meanings.

• Arrogance
• Pride
• Vanity
• Conceit
• Egotism
• Haughtiness
• Self-importance
• Hubris

Examples of "Humility" in a Sentence

Below are ten examples demonstrating how "humility" can be used in different contexts.

1. His humility in accepting the award made him even more admirable.
2. True humility comes from understanding both strengths and weaknesses.
3. She carried herself with humility despite her immense success.
4. The leader's humility inspired loyalty among his team.
5. Humility often allows people to accept feedback gracefully.
6. A sense of humility helps build stronger relationships.
7. They approached the challenge with humility and determination.
8. The monk taught lessons of peace and humility to his students.
9. It takes humility to admit one's mistakes openly.
10. His humility in victory showed his true character.

Frequency of Use

"Humility" is moderately common in both spoken and written English, often appearing in religious texts, self-help books, and leadership literature. Its use has remained stable over time, reflecting its importance in moral and social discussions.

Variants of "Humility"

Variants of "humility" refer to different grammatical or structural forms of the word. While they share the same root meaning, they are adapted for specific uses in language and context.

1. Humble: This adjective form describes a person or behavior characterized by modesty and a lack of arrogance.
2. Humbleness: A noun closely related to "humility," referring to the quality of being humble or unassuming.
3. Self-humility: A compound noun that emphasizes the intentional act of reducing one's own sense of self-importance.

Related Terms to "Humility"

These terms are closely associated with "humility" in meaning or context:

1. Modesty
2. Humbleness
3. Meekness
4. Self-awareness
5. Gratitude
6. Respect
7. Vulnerability
8. Sincerity
9. Empathy
10. Integrity

Etymology: History and Origins of "Humility"

The word "humility" originates from the Latin term humilitas, which means "lowness" or "humbleness." This is derived from humilis, meaning "low" or "grounded," and ultimately from humus, referring to the earth. Over centuries, the term evolved to represent modesty and the absence of arrogance.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Humility"

Derivatives and compounds of "humility" are words formed by altering or combining it with other terms. These forms often highlight specific aspects or outcomes related to humility.

1. Humiliate: A verb meaning to make someone feel ashamed or embarrassed, often through public exposure of their faults or failures.
2. Humiliation: A noun referring to the emotional state or experience of being made to feel ashamed or degraded.
3. Self-humiliation: A compound noun describing the deliberate act of lowering oneself in status or dignity, often as a demonstration of humility.

Common Misspellings of "Humility"

Here are some common spelling errors associated with "humility":

1. Humilaty
2. Hummility
3. Humiliti
4. Humilty

10 Idioms Similar to Humility

Below are ten idioms that share similar meanings or themes with "humility."

1. Down to earth
2. Eat humble pie
3. Keep your feet on the ground
4. Pride comes before a fall
5. Know your place
6. Turn the other cheek
7. Level-headed
8. Stay grounded
9. Bite your tongue
10. Walk softly but carry a big stick

10 Common Questions About "Humility"

Below are ten common questions and answers that explore different aspects of "humility".

1. What does "humility" mean in simple terms?

"Humility" means being modest, not arrogant, and having a respectful view of oneself.

2. Is "humility" a strength or weakness?

"Humility" is widely considered a strength as it fosters growth and better relationships.

3. How can one practice "humility" daily?

One can practice "humility" by actively listening, acknowledging mistakes, and valuing others' contributions.

4. Why is "humility" important in leadership?

"Humility" builds trust, fosters collaboration, and encourages respect among team members.

5. Is "humility" the same as meekness?

No, "humility" emphasizes modesty, while meekness suggests submissiveness.

6. Can "humility" be learned?

Yes, "humility" can be cultivated through self-awareness and consistent practice.

7. What are cultural views on "humility"?

"Humility" is valued across cultures but expressed differently depending on social norms.

8. Does "humility" mean low self-esteem?

No, "humility" means having confidence without arrogance or overconfidence.

9. How does "humility" impact teamwork?

"Humility" promotes collaboration, reduces conflicts, and strengthens team cohesion.

10. What is false "humility"?

False "humility" refers to pretending to be humble for self-gain or social validation.

Conclusion

The term "humility" refers to a modest and respectful view of one's own importance, free from arrogance and pride. It is a quality that fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and builds meaningful relationships. Embracing "humility" allows individuals to grow, learn, and interact with others in an authentic and respectful manner.