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Practice Humility with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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Definition of humility

The quality or state of being modest and respectful, characterized by a lack of arrogance, and a recognition of one's limitations.
"She showed humility in admitting her mistake and apologized to her team."

Detailed Meaning of Humility

It is the opposite of being arrogant or boastful. The term comes from the Latin word "humilitas" which means "lowliness" or "groundedness."

Humility is often considered a virtue, as it allows individuals to be more open to learning from others, to be more compassionate and empathetic, and to be less prone to conflicts and resentment. It allows individuals to acknowledge their own limitations, mistakes, and the contributions of others without feeling threatened or insecure.

Humility can also be seen as a form of respect towards oneself and towards others, as it allows people to understand that no one is above others and that everyone has something to learn and to offer.

Humility is also an important quality in leadership, as it allows leaders to be more open to feedback and to be more willing to admit when they are wrong. It also allows leaders to be more approachable, empathetic and fair towards their team members.

In short, humility is the quality of being humble, having a modest or low estimate of one's own importance or rank, it is often considered a virtue, as it allows individuals to be more open to learning from others, to be more compassionate and empathetic, and to be less prone to conflicts and resentment. It is also important in leadership, as it allows leaders to be more open to feedback and to be more approachable, empathetic and fair towards their team members.

Example Sentences for Humility

1. His humility shone through as he quietly helped those in need.
2. She embraced her achievements with grace and humility.
3. The leader's humility endeared him to the team.
4. Humility is a virtue that fosters genuine connections with others.
5. The athlete displayed humility despite winning numerous awards.
6. Humility allows us to acknowledge our imperfections and learn from them.

Origin and Etymology of Humility

The noun 'humility' derives its origins from the Latin word 'humilitas,' which is a combination of 'humus,' meaning 'earth' or 'ground,' and the suffix '-itas,' denoting a state or quality. In Latin, 'humilitas' originally referred to the idea of being close to the ground or having a lowly position, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. Over time, 'humility' evolved in English to signify the quality or state of being modest and respectful, characterized by a lack of arrogance and a recognition of one's limitations. This word's etymology underscores its connection to the concept of being grounded, down-to-earth, and unpretentious, highlighting the virtue of acknowledging one's own humanness and imperfections while showing respect and consideration for others.

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More Usage Examples of Humility

1. The teacher's humility made the classroom a welcoming space.
2. Humility empowers us to admit when we're wrong and make amends.
3. The CEO's success did not diminish his humility or empathy.
4. Humility in leadership inspires trust and loyalty.
5. The author's humility resonated with readers.
6. Humility is the foundation of personal growth and self-improvement.
7. The monk's humility was evident in his simple way of life.
8. Humility enables us to appreciate the contributions of others.
9. The scientist's humility led to collaboration and breakthroughs.
10. In times of success, humility keeps us grounded.
11. The athlete's humility inspired young fans to pursue their dreams.
12. Humility fosters a culture of respect and cooperation.
13. The artist's humility allowed for creative exploration.
14. Humility encourages us to empathize with those less fortunate.
15. The politician's humility resonated with constituents.
16. Humility is a key trait of effective leaders.
17. The athlete's humility in defeat earned admiration.
18. Humility helps us see beyond our ego and connect with others.
19. The musician's humility in sharing their talent brought joy to many.

Synonyms and Related Words for Humility

abasement
demureness
effacement
humbleness
lowliness
meekness
submissiveness
unassumingness
unpretentiousness

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IPA: /hjʊˈmɪlɪti/

How to pronounce humility in IPA:

h=hat | j=yes | ʊ=book | m=man | ɪ=sit | l=lip | ɪ=sit | t=top | i=city

Humility (noun) – Definition, Pronunciation & Examples

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humility

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