humbly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is not proud or arrogant; modestly.
He humbly accepted the award on behalf of his friends and colleagues.
-
in a way that shows insignificance, inferiority, or subservience.
I made my suggestions humbly, realizing the vast experience of the others in the room.
-
in a respectfully courteous way.
I humbly request that you give us some time to discuss this privately.
Other Word Forms
- overhumbly adverb
- quasi-humbly adverb
- unhumbly adverb
Etymology
Origin of humbly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I really want to celebrate the fact that there are so many women around the world who are working so humbly on domestic skills ... like sewing, hand knitting," she said.
From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026
Almost four years have passed since Elena Rybakina celebrated winning Wimbledon by humbly raising her right arm in the air.
From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026
“My energy is contagious, and humbly, once I’m going, everybody is going,” Ausar said.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025
A sanguine temper would say ten or twelve; let me dare to hope humbly for five or six.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025
“Beg your pardon, sir. Most humbly, sir. I’m not disturbing you?”
From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
