Definition of humble

< Humber

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hum·ble    (hmbl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
hum·bler, hum·blest

1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology.
3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly: a humble cottage.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
hum·bled, hum·bling, hum·bles

1. To curtail or destroy the pride of; humiliate.
2. To cause to be meek or modest in spirit.
3. To give a lower condition or station to; abase. See Synonyms at degrade.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin humilis, low, lowly, from humus, ground; see dhghem- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
humble·ness(Noun), humbler(Noun), humbly(Adverb)