a humbling feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

'a humbling feeling' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in many situations, such as when writing about a person's emotions or personal experiences. For example, "John had a humbling feeling as he thanked the first responders for their brave service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

How there was a humbling feeling that came with that knowledge.

The New Yorker

For the first time in my life, I felt as if I was part of a world that could and did go on without me, a humbling feeling but also a vast relief.

The New York Times

Hearing those words created a humbling feeling inside that simply replied, "I'm unworthy".

Huffington Post

It's a humbling feeling to look at an image and have no idea what it is you're actually looking at.

Huffington Post

It can be a humbling feeling to go throughout this journey of not having enough and keeping the faith and trusting that the universe is going to provide for what I am asking for.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This consciousness of subordination involves a painful, humbling feeling insofar as our self-love (our efforts to satisfy our desires and pursue our ends) is constrained and our self-conceit (our attempts to esteem ourselves independently of moral considerations) is struck down by the moral law's claim to supreme authority.

SEP

It is a genuinely humbling feeling.

HuffPost

It's a very humbling feeling.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Now, many seem to be arriving at the most humbling feeling of all: a desire to emulate the nation they had thought was something less than their own.

The New York Times

John Stockton knew what the Los Angeles Lakers were thinking after their Game 1 debacle on Saturday, that humbling feeling of searching for your confidence amid the wreckage of a rout.

The New York Times - Sports

Clinton told reporters voting for herself was "the most humbling feeling".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a humbling feeling" to describe a specific emotional response to an event or situation that diminishes one's sense of pride or self-importance. It often implies a newfound respect or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a humbling feeling" too frequently in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a sense of humility" or "a sobering realization" to prevent the writing from becoming repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a humbling feeling" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes an emotional state where one's pride or self-importance is diminished, often leading to greater respect or understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a humbling feeling" is a noun phrase used to describe an emotional response where one's pride is diminished, often leading to a greater sense of respect or understanding. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it is relatively rare in occurrence. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the emotional state you wish to convey, and consider varying your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Alternatives include "a sense of humility" or "a sobering realization". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, indicating its widespread understanding and neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a humbling experience

Uses a different noun to express the same idea.

a sense of humility

Focuses on the state of being humble rather than the specific feeling.

an experience of humility

Highlights the event or situation that causes the feeling.

a sobering realization

Emphasizes the serious and thoughtful nature of the feeling.

a deflating sensation

Highlights the reduction of ego or pride.

a grounding experience

Focuses on the feeling of being brought back to reality.

a moment of self-reflection

Highlights the introspective aspect of the feeling.

a dose of reality

Emphasizes the stark contrast with previous perceptions.

a lesson in humility

Frames the feeling as a learning opportunity.

a reality check

Highlights the corrective nature of the feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "a humbling feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "a humbling feeling" to describe an emotional response to a situation that diminishes one's pride or self-importance. For example, "Witnessing the poverty firsthand gave me a humbling feeling."

What can I say instead of "a humbling feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a sense of humility", "a sobering realization", or "a grounding experience" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "a humbling feeling" and "a humbling experience"?

"A humbling feeling" refers to the emotion itself, while "a humbling experience" refers to the event or situation that causes that emotion.

Is it appropriate to use "a humbling feeling" in formal writing?

Yes, "a humbling feeling" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing personal reflections or the impact of an event. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. Consider alternatives like "a sense of humility" for a more detached, formal tone.