humbling — Making someone feel less important or proud, often by revealing one's limitations or by comparison to something greater
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Making someone feel less important or proud, often by revealing one's limitations or by comparison to something greater
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhʌmblɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- It was humbling to realize my cat understood more commands in Korean than I did after two years of studying.
- Standing at the foot of the mountain was a humbling reminder of how small we are in nature.
- Getting corrected by my six-year-old niece's grammar was a truly humbling moment.
humbling
ADJECTIVE[/ˈhʌmblɪŋ/]
Making someone feel less important or proud, often by revealing one's limitations or by comparison to something greater

Standing before the vast canyon was a humbling reminder of how small we are.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'humilis' (low, lowly), derived from 'humus' (ground, earth), reflecting the idea of being brought low or grounded.
Breakdown
humil- (low, from earth) + -ble (adjective suffix) + -ing (adjective/present participle suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“It was humbling to realize my cat understood more commands in Korean than I did after two years of studying.”
“Standing at the foot of the mountain was a humbling reminder of how small we are in nature.”
“Getting corrected by my six-year-old niece's grammar was a truly humbling moment.”
“The CEO said failure was humbling but taught him valuable lessons about leadership.”
📚Related Words
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