What does humility mean?
Humility is the quality of recognizing that one is neither universally important nor superior in every respect. In ordinary use, it describes a modest, considerate, and often self-effacing attitude: a person may show humility by admitting uncertainty, giving others credit, avoiding excessive display, or treating criticism without defensiveness. The word usually carries a positive moral connotation, suggesting respect, openness, and emotional maturity. It can, however, be used critically when a display of modesty appears insincere or designed to attract attention. Humility is distinct from simple weakness or lack of confidence; it does not require believing that one has no value, but rather maintaining a balanced view of one's own value in relation to others. The word also has a less common formal sense of low position or degree. Its Latin roots evoke the earth, an enduring metaphor for the grounded, unpretentious quality associated with the word today.
nounA modest or self-effacing view of one's own importance, abilities, or achievements. It can also refer to a low position or degree.
- A modest, unassuming, or self-effacing attitude toward one's own importance, abilities, or achievements.
- A low position, rank, or degree, especially in an older or more formal usage.
"She approached the challenge with humility, recognizing that she had much to learn."
"He accepted the criticism with humility and asked what he could do better."
"The manuscript's opening humility and directness gave it unusual force."
The plural is uncommon and usually denotes separate acts or instances of humility.
"The memoir's small daily humiliities are described with compassion."
Humility literally begins with the earth: its Latin roots connect the soil beneath us with the modest way we present ourselves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does humility come from?
Humility entered English in the late Middle English period from Old French humilité, a borrowing of Latin humilitas, meaning "lowness" or "modesty." Latin humilitas was derived from humilis ("lowly, humble"), a word related to humus ("earth"). The same Latin roots underlie forms such as humble, humiliate, and humus, although their modern meanings and grammatical uses differ.
Related word forms
How humility is actually used
Generally positive in modern usage, although it can be ironic or dismissive when paired with phrases such as "false humility."
Easily confused with humility
Humility is a modest or self-effacing manner, whereas humiliation is a humiliating act or experience imposed on someone.