humble
low or inferior in station or quality
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,022 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 8,894 times across 175,160 chapters — 0.004% of every word in the library.
What it means
adjective
- low or inferior in station or quality also: low, lowly, modest, small a humble cottagea lowly parish priest
- marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful a humble apologyessentially humble...and self-effacing, he achieved the highest formal honors and distinctions
- used of unskilled work (especially domestic work) also: menial, lowly
- of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense) also: base, baseborn, lowly baseborn wretches with dirty facesof humble (or lowly) birth
verb
- cause to be unpretentious This experience will humble him
- cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of also: humiliate, mortify, chagrin, abase He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
humble in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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For Mme. Favoral had now found a use for her humble savings.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1
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She was his only child--the humble but solitary flower that blossomed for him upon the desert of life.
The Emigrants Of Ahadarra The Works · William Carleton · Chapter 1
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With a gesture he described a condition of domestic peace and comfort which far exceeded his humble requirements.
Barlasch of the Guard · Henry Seton Merriman · Chapter 1
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Basil continued for a little to glare at the coals, and seemed collecting his thoughts in a humble and even painful way.
The Club of Queer Trades · G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton · Chapter 1