humble servant

Meek domestic worker

A humble servant is a person who serves another with deference and modesty, but the phrase appears most often as a formal closing in old letters or as an expression of exaggerated politeness: I remain your humble servant.

The phrase can be ironic or self-deprecating, acknowledging one's role while maintaining dignity.

In historical contexts, it marked genuine social hierarchy; today it usually signals courtesy or gentle mockery.

Related

subservient · devoted · faithful · loyal · bowing · curtsy · kiss the ring · maid · domestic worker · butler · valet · footman · attendant · lackey · minion · deferential · modest · unassuming

Categories
Opposites
social hierarchy and power

humble servantlord and master

One with total dominion

sovereign · overlord · master · tyrant · despot

autonomy and agency

humble servantself-made man

One who succeeds independently

free agent

rhetorical register

humble servantthe powers that be

Those holding institutional authority

supreme authority

Family

humble, servant, humbly, humbleness, humbler, humblest, humbled, humbling, humility

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G