humble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is modest or does not boast about their achievements or qualities. Example: "Despite his numerous accolades, he remains a humble individual who values teamwork over personal glory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us".

The Economist

Related: Jokowi, we voted for a humble man.

The Guardian

His rise from humble origins to leader of 1.25 billion people has inspired many – but also provoked scorn from elite politicians who have mocked his background.

The Guardian

For many Derry people it seemed the tone Cameron struck – humble, apologetic, firm – was pitch perfect.

The Guardian

Their season is now gone and maybe another bright young hope looms in the draft, but the next six weeks are now also a bittersweet farewell tour for a most humble and respected champion.

The Guardian - Sport

We are now on the roof, but I can hear the guitars and the humble Andean folk downstairs singing a melancholy refrain.

The Guardian - Travel

Back at home meanwhile they had just got planning permission to turn the garage beside their humble two-up-two down semi in Finglas into a games room for the kids which would be equipped with the latest plasma 36" TV screens, full-size pool table, sofa beds for sleepovers, fridges, microwaves and all the other mod cons to keep their offspring happy and out of mum and dad's hair.

The Guardian

Well, the five simple tips below are my own humble "how-to" guide to producing similar results.

The Guardian

And so it is that this humble blog reaches you, merely the latest in a long line of academics trying to prove their unstuffiness.

The Guardian

Why are we celebrating a humble baby's birth by trying to gastronomically outdo Henry VIII between bouts of retail fever that would make Imelda Marcos blush?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is my humble opinion that London-born singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas has delivered just that, in the form of Unstoppable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional writing, use "humble" to convey a sense of modesty and down-to-earthiness, particularly when discussing achievements or contributions.

Common error

While "humble" is generally appropriate, overuse can sound insincere. Instead, consider using more specific adjectives like "modest", "respectful", or "unassuming" to better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of "a humble request", try "a modest proposal".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "humble" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of modesty, lack of arrogance, or low status. It aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment and can be observed across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humble" is a versatile adjective frequently used to describe modesty, lack of arrogance, or low status. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing. The term is prevalent in News & Media and Sport, indicating widespread applicability. While semantically rich alternatives like "modest" and "unassuming" exist, choosing the most appropriate synonym depends on the specific context. When writing, be mindful of overuse, especially in formal contexts, to maintain sincerity and impact. As the Ludwig examples show, "humble" effectively communicates a sense of respect or understated achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest

Focuses on the absence of excessive pride or self-importance.

unassuming

Highlights a lack of pretension or a desire to draw attention.

unpretentious

Stresses the absence of ostentation or artificiality.

meek

Emphasizes submissiveness and a gentle nature.

self-effacing

Describes a tendency to avoid drawing attention to oneself.

lowly

Indicates a low social status or position.

deferential

Focuses on showing polite respect and obedience.

submissive

Implies a willingness to yield to the authority or will of others.

respectful

Implies showing deference and consideration towards others.

simple

Highlights the lack of complexity or extravagance.

FAQs

How can I use the word "humble" in a sentence?

You can use "humble" to describe someone who doesn't boast about their achievements. For example, "Despite his success, he remained a "humble" person."

What are some synonyms for "humble"?

Alternatives to "humble" include "modest", "unassuming", and "meek". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "humble" and "humiliating"?

"Humble" describes a modest or low view of one's importance, while "humiliating" describes something that causes someone to feel ashamed and foolish. They have opposite meanings.

Which is the best phrase to use: "humble opinion" or "modest opinion"?

Both "humble opinion" and "modest opinion" are acceptable, but "humble opinion" is slightly more common in expressing one's view with deference. You can also use "respectful opinion" as an alternative.