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humble

hum·ble [ húmb'l ]


adjective  (comparative hum·bler, superlative hum·blest)
Definition:
 
1. modest: modest and unassuming in attitude and behavior

2. respectful: feeling or showing respect and deference toward other people

3. lowly: relatively low in rank and without pretensions
of humble origins



transitive verb  (past and past participle hum·bled, present participle hum·bling, 3rd person present singular hum·bles)
Definition:
 
1. make somebody feel less important: to make somebody feel less proud or convinced of his or her own importance

2. degrade somebody: to lower somebody in rank or importance

[13th century. Via Old French (h)umble< Latin humilis "lowly" < humus "earth"]

hum·ble·ness noun
hum·bly adverb
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