Meaning & use
to be humble
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Meanings
adjectivelinking
To have or show a modest opinion of your own importance; not proud.
Grammar: Used with the verb 'be' as a linking verb, followed by an adjective.
Patterns
- be humble
- be humble about something
Despite his success, he remains humble and always thanks his team.
She was humble about her achievements and never bragged.
adjectivelinking
To be of low rank or condition; not wealthy or important.
Grammar: Often used before a noun, e.g., 'humble home', but can follow 'be'.
Patterns
- be humble
- be of humble origin
The president came from a humble background.
They lived in a humble cottage by the sea.
Word forms
| comparative | humbler |
|---|---|
| superlative | humblest |
| comparative (more common) | more humble |
| superlative (more common) | most humble |
Common combinations
- humble beginnings
- The company started from humble beginnings in a small garage.
- humble opinion
- In my humble opinion, the film was too long.
- eat humble pie
- He had to eat humble pie after his prediction turned out to be wrong.
- humble yourself
- She humbled herself by asking for help.
Synonyms and how they differ
- modest
- Very similar, but 'modest' can also mean not large in size; 'humble' often implies a lower status.
- unassuming
- Focuses on not drawing attention; 'humble' is more about not being proud.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: to be humble or humility? to be humble or humiliate?
to be humble vs humility
The noun form; 'humble' is the adjective.
to be humble vs humiliate
A verb meaning to embarrass or shame someone; different from being humble.
Practice
Even after winning the award, she stayed ___ and thanked everyone who helped her.
Choose one answer.
After the linking verb 'stayed', we need an adjective, so 'humble' is correct. 'Humbly' is an adverb, 'humility' is a noun, and 'humblest' is a superlative adjective that would need a comparison.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to be humble”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.