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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Humble: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：modest and unassuming (humble)

humble 🔊

/ˈhʌmbl/

adj.

Describing a person who does not think they are better than others and does not show off.

Humble person illustration: a modest winner receiving a trophy with a warm, unassuming smile.

modest and unassuming 🔊

➕

/ˈmɒdɪst ənd ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/

adj.

Describes a person who has a modest view of their own importance and does not boast or display arrogance.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'humilis' meaning 'low, humble', from 'humus' (earth, ground).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of HUMus (soil) + BLE. Someone who is humble is 'down to earth'.

📖 Example

Despite winning the award, she remained humble and thanked her entire team for their support. 🔊 Even after winning the award, she stayed modest and unassuming, giving thanks to her whole team for their help.

🔗 Collocations

humble pie – To be forced to admit one's error or defeat; an act of humiliation.

humble request – A polite and modest appeal or ask.

humble opinion – A modest and unassuming point of view one offers, often prefaced with 'in my...'.

🔄 Synonyms

modest (adj.) – Having a moderate estimation of one's own qualities or achievements.

unassuming (adj.) – Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.

meek (adj.) – Quiet, gentle, and submissive; easily imposed on.

🚫 Antonyms

arrogant (adj.) – Having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.

proud (adj.) – Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction from achievements; can imply arrogance.

conceited (adj.) – Excessively proud of oneself; vain.

🌱 Derivatives

humbly (adv.) – In a modest or unassuming manner.

humbleness (n.) – The quality of being humble; modesty.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'humble' originates from the Latin 'humilis', meaning 'on the ground, low'. This directly connects the concept of modesty with being physically low, in contrast to being elevated or proud.

Meaning 2：of low status or simple (humble)

humble 🔊

/ˈhʌmbl/

adj.

Low in social position or status; or describing something that is simple and not fancy or expensive.

Humble origins illustration: a simple, well-kept cottage in a rural setting, representing modesty.

of low status or simple 🔊

➕

/əv ləʊ ˈsteɪtəs ɔː ˈsɪmpl/

adj.

Refers to something low in rank, status, or condition; or something plain, basic, and not elaborate or luxurious.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He came from a very humble background but worked hard to become a successful business owner. 🔊 His origins were of very simple means, yet through diligent effort he became a prosperous entrepreneur.

🔗 Collocations

humble beginnings – A simple or lowly starting point in life or for an organization.

humble abode – A humorous or modest way to refer to one's own home, implying it is simple.

humble origins – A background or start that is not privileged or wealthy.

🔄 Synonyms

lowly (adj.) – Low in status, rank, or importance.

simple (adj.) – Plain and basic; not elaborate or luxurious.

modest (adj.) – Not large, expensive, or elaborate; relatively small or simple.

🚫 Antonyms

noble (adj.) – Belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status.

luxurious (adj.) – Extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, especially if expensive.

grand (adj.) – Magnificent and imposing in appearance, size, or style.

🌱 Derivatives

humble (v.) – To make someone feel less important or proud; to defeat utterly.

humility (n.) – The quality of having a modest view of one's own importance.