humble

Low in self-regard

Humble, an adjective, has two core meanings.

Someone who comes from humble origins was underprivileged in some way.

The other sense of humble is closely related to the noun humility and is a positive characterization of people or actions that show an attitude of respectful modesty, in which pride is absent: The mayor made a convincing and humble apology for the lack of facilities at the festival.

Eating humble pie is a metaphor for a forced apology or a humiliating failure.

modest

unpretentious

Lacking false superiority

down-to-earthPractical and without pretension
self-effacingDownplaying one's own importance
unassumingNot making claims

lowly · plain · simple · understated · unostentatious · homespun · ordinary · unadorned · low-profile · unobtrusive

meek

submissive

Readily yielding to control

docileEasily controlled or taught
deferentialShowing humble submission
compliantYielding to others' wishes

obedient · yielding · passive · gentle · mild · acquiescent · servile · tractable · pliant · unassertive

origins

lowborn

Of humble origin

peasantLow-status agricultural laborer
working-classManual laborers as group
poorLacking sufficient resources

impoverished · common · plebeian · underprivileged · obscure · simple · rustic · provincial · hardscrabble · meager

respectful

reverent

Feeling profound respect

deferentialShowing humble submission
politeShowing good manners
courteousShowing respectful consideration

gracious · considerate · civil · decorous · obeisant · admiring · appreciative · venerable · honorable · chivalrous

shy

bashful

Uncomfortably self-conscious

demureModestly reserved in manner
reticentDisinclined to speak freely
timidLacking courage or confidence

introverted · diffident · withdrawn · reserved · coy · soft-spoken · self-conscious · shrinking · mousy · wallflower

pie

apologize

Acknowledge a fault

contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
comeuppanceDeserved punishment or rebuke

grovel · mortification · chagrin · shame · remorse · regret · repentance · atonement · admission · crow

Categories

Acceptance Speechesthank you, podium, microphone, applause, tears
attitudespositive, negative, ambition, apathy, curiosity
complimentssmart, talented, beautiful, funny, awesome
humilitymeekness, modesty, modest, lowliness, meek
kind traitskind, caring, compassionate, nurturing, tender
politeplease, thank you, sorry, excuse me, courtesy

Opposites

self-regard and ego

Excessively high self-regard

conceited · haughty · proud · egotistical · vain

social status and rank

humblenoble

Titled or virtuous

aristocratic · exalted · highborn · grand · elite

scale and impressiveness

humblegrand

Imposing or splendid

magnificent · grandiose · palatial · imposing · majestic

Phrases

humble pieFigurative food of apology
eat humble pieAdmit error humbly
humble beginningsUnprivileged early circumstances
in my humble opinionQualifier before a viewpoint
humble bragBoast dressed as complaint
eating humble pie

Family

humbled, humbly, humbling, humbles, humbleness, humblest, humbler, unhumbled, humble pie

Familiarity: Top 5,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G