humble

/ˈhʌmbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhʌmbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhəm-bəl also chiefly Southern ˈəm-/ (ame, mw) · /ˈhʌm.bəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhʌm.bəl/ (ame, ipa)

humble — adjective

  • humblepositive
  • humblercomparative
  • humblestsuperlative

1. someone who is humble does not think they are better or more important than othe

1.形容詞B1
釋義

someone who is humble does not think they are better or more important than other people, and does not show off their achievements or abilities.

例句

Aoi is a world-famous scientist, but she stays humble and always listens to her students.

stays humble + listens to others

The mayor gave a humble speech, thanking her team instead of taking the credit herself.

同義詞
  • modest

    the closest synonym; modest focuses more on not exaggerating one's abilities

  • unassuming

    suggests a quiet, gentle nature without trying to attract attention

  • meek

    has a more negative tone of passive obedience; can imply weakness

  • self-effacing

    describes someone who deliberately avoids being noticed or credited

反義詞
  • arrogant

    the direct opposite — someone who thinks they are better than others

  • proud

    in a negative sense, someone who refuses to admit their limitations

  • conceited

    someone who is too proud of their own abilities or appearance

用法筆記

The fixed expression 'in my humble opinion' (often shortened to IMHO online) is used to politely introduce a personal view, though it can sometimes sound insincere.

常見錯誤

❌He is a humble person with very low self-esteem.
✅He is a humble person who does not show off his achievements.
💡Humble describes modesty, not a lack of confidence or low self-worth.

2. having a low social position or coming from a poor family or background.

2.形容詞B2
釋義

having a low social position or coming from a poor family or background.

例句

Ilán grew up in a humble home but later became a successful architect.

humble home / humble beginnings

The professor never forgot his humble beginnings in a small farming village.

同義詞
  • lowly

    formal and somewhat old-fashioned; can sound negative

  • modest

    can mean 'not large or expensive' when describing backgrounds

  • poor

    more direct and neutral, but lacks the social-rank dimension

反義詞
  • noble

    belonging to a high social rank by birth

  • wealthy

    having a lot of money; opposite of poor background

用法筆記

Commonly used in fixed phrases such as 'humble origins', 'humble beginnings', and 'humble background' to describe someone's early life circumstances, often followed by a contrasting success story.

常見錯誤

❌He comes from a humble family in a rich neighborhood.
✅He comes from a humble background in a small farming village.
💡'Humble' here describes low social or economic status, not a mix of statuses.

3. simple in size, cost, or importance; not impressive, costly, or remarkable.

3.形容詞B2
釋義

simple in size, cost, or importance; not impressive, costly, or remarkable.

例句

The family lives in a humble two-bedroom apartment near the market.

humble [noun] — describing a simple dwelling

My grandfather left behind only a humble collection of old books.

同義詞
  • modest

    very close in meaning; often interchangeable

  • unpretentious

    not trying to seem more important or impressive than it is

  • simple

    plain and not complicated; more neutral than 'humble'

反義詞
  • grand

    large and impressive in size or appearance

  • luxurious

    very expensive and comfortable

  • lavish

    large in amount or expensive; more than necessary

用法筆記

Unlike sense 2 (LOW RANK), this sense describes things (buildings, meals, gifts, ceremonies) rather than people. It often carries a gentle, appreciative tone — suggesting charm in simplicity.

常見錯誤

❌The food was very humble — just bread and water.
✅The meal was a humble dish of rice and vegetables.
💡In this sense, 'humble' suggests simplicity rather than poor quality; avoid pairing it with negative descriptors.

humble — verb