humility

USAGE SUMMARY

"humility" is a correct and usable word in written English, and it can be used in a variety of ways.
For example, you could say: "I try to practice humility in all aspects of my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinton, the official added, was taking the Iowa campaign "very seriously, with a great deal of humility".

The Guardian

"Great credit to him for the way that he's come into the football club and shown great character, personality and humility.

The Guardian - Sport

There are not many tourists, so you find yourself alone, with a great sense of peace and humility, looking at the paintings showing animals drinking at the river – and then look to the same spot below, where the water used to run.

The Guardian - Travel

But his dedication to social justice and commitment to alleviating poverty may now have counted in his favour – and much has been made of his humility and frugal lifestyle.

The Guardian

Like this: show a bit of humility, keep things in proportion and treat the voters as grown-ups.

The Guardian

They like his humility, his work ethic, his endless referencing of our cinema.

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile, the Vatican continued to draw attention to aspects of Francis's behaviour that it said showed the new pope's frugality and humility.

The Guardian

Inside the room, Christie's refusal to apologise for who he was appeared to go down better than Bush's studied humility.

The Guardian

She also mentioned the need to approach to coming weeks of campaigning with "humility", but reports that Alex Salmond had put his fingers in his ears by then remain unconfirmed.

The Guardian

The lawyers will forgive Gove for not being one of them if he approaches his new role with a measure of humility and sensitivity.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a range of studies by organisations including IBM, Gerzema, Young & Rubicam, and Zenger and Folkman, senior executives around the world and across industries put qualities such as creativity, flexibility, empathy, patience, humility and balance right at the top of the list of crucial leadership characteristics for the future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humility" to describe a genuine and sincere attitude, rather than feigned or superficial behavior.

Common error

Avoid portraying "humility" as a lack of confidence or assertiveness. True "humility" involves recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses without arrogance, not diminishing oneself.

Linguistic Context

"Humility" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality of being humble. Ludwig AI's analysis aligns with this, showcasing its use in describing personal characteristics and behaviors. It often appears as the object of verbs like 'show', 'demonstrate', or 'have'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humility" is a commonly used noun referring to the quality of being humble, marked by a lack of arrogance and a modest view of one's importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across news, business, and general discourse. To enhance your writing, remember that "humility" should be presented as a genuine trait, distinct from weakness, and that it shines best when complemented by other strengths. Using synonyms like "modesty" can provide nuanced expression, while being aware of the term's neutral tone is important in different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modesty

Focuses more on the absence of boastfulness or vanity.

lack of arrogance

Directly negates the presence of excessive pride or self-importance.

sense of humbleness

Rephrases the noun into a feeling or state of being.

absence of pride

Highlights the lack of excessive self-esteem or superiority.

self-effacement

Emphasizes the act of making oneself less prominent or noticeable.

meekness

Suggests a gentle and submissive nature.

lowliness

Conveys a sense of being humble in status or condition.

unpretentiousness

Indicates the absence of attempts to impress others with one's importance or abilities.

freedom from vanity

Specifically addresses the absence of excessive admiration of one's own appearance or accomplishments.

a modest demeanor

Shifts the focus to outward behavior and conduct rather than internal feeling.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate "humility" in my daily life?

You can show "humility" by actively listening to others, acknowledging your mistakes, and recognizing the contributions of those around you.

What are some synonyms for "humility"?

Synonyms for "humility" include "modesty", "meekness", and "lack of arrogance".

Is it possible to be too humble?

While "humility" is generally a positive trait, excessive self-deprecation can be counterproductive. Aim for a balanced view of your strengths and weaknesses.

How does "humility" relate to leadership?

"Humility" in leadership involves recognizing that you don't have all the answers, valuing the input of your team, and prioritizing the needs of others.