humbler; humblest
1
: not proud : not thinking of yourself as better than other people
Despite all his achievements, he has remained humble.
He is very humble about his achievements.
She is too humble to let praise go to her head.
a very humble person
2
a
always used before a noun
: given or said in a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people
a humble request
Please accept my humble apologies.
(sometimes humorous) In my humble opinion [=in my opinion], he is the most talented actor on the stage today.
Her humble suggestion is that we review the data more carefully.
b
: showing that you do not think of yourself as better than other people
a humble attitude/manner
3
: not high in rank or status
He comes from a humble background.
She's not ashamed of her humble beginnings.
4
: not special, fancy, or expensive
a meal made of humble ingredients
Welcome to our humble home/abode.
humbles; humbled; humbling
1
: to make (someone) feel less important or proud : to make (someone) humble
The experience humbled him.
Her success has humbled her critics.
2
: to easily defeat (someone or something) in a way that is surprising or not expected
Last year's champion was humbled by an unknown newcomer.
Cite this Entry
“Humble.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/humble. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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