humility
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for humility, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The quality of being modest and not thinking too highly of yourself.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use humility
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
show humility
with humility
humility and grace
Etymology
From Old French umilité, from Latin humilitas ("lowness"), from humilis ("low, humble") — the same root as humble.
Full origin of humility →Frequently asked questions
What does “humility” mean?
The word “humility” means the quality of being modest and not thinking too highly of yourself. In plain terms, staying modest instead of boasting, even when you have reason to be proud.
How do you pronounce “humility”?
“Humility” is pronounced hyoo-MIH-lih-tee (/hjuːˈmɪlɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “humility” in a sentence?
Here is “humility” used in a sentence: “She accepted the award with humility, thanking her whole team.”
What part of speech is “humility”?
“Humility” is a noun.
Where does the word “humility” come from?
The word “humility” comes from Latin. From Old French umilité, from Latin humilitas ("lowness"), from humilis ("low, humble") — the same root as humble.
Is “humility” a common word?
“Humility” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between humility and modesty?
Humility is the quality of being modest and not thinking too highly of yourself, so the two words overlap closely in meaning. Modesty is sometimes used more narrowly for downplaying one's achievements, while humility can describe a broader outlook or character trait.
Is humility the opposite of pride?
Humility, defined as not thinking too highly of yourself, is generally considered the opposite of excessive pride or arrogance, which involves an inflated sense of one's own importance. However, humility does not require having no self-respect, just avoiding an exaggerated view of oneself.
Why is humility often considered a virtue?
Humility is valued as a virtue because it reflects a modest, grounded view of oneself rather than arrogance or self-importance, which many cultures and belief systems associate with wisdom and good character. This quality is often linked to being open to learning and treating others fairly.
