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.
Donnelly said he then said: "Lewis, I humbly apologise...It's not often my phone takes calls from a seven time world champion."
From BBC
She wrote politely and humbly, conducting herself as her husband would have expected.
From Literature
He turned to Handsome and apologized sincerely and humbly.
From Literature
"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
“A few of the seventh graders I guess they know me kind of,” Lappe said humbly.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
