Humility (hyoo-MIL-uh-tee)

Origin

From Middle English humilite, through Old French, from Latin humilitas, meaning “lowness, small stature, humility,” from humilis, meaning “low, lowly, humble.”

Language Root

Latin humilis (“low, humble”) is related to humus, meaning “earth, ground.” The history of the word therefore carries the underlying image of being low or close to the ground.

Original Meaning

Lowliness, modesty, or the condition of being humble rather than elevated in status or self-importance.

Evolution Over Time

The physical idea of being “low” developed into a description of social and moral character. Religious and philosophical traditions gave humility particular importance as the opposite of excessive pride. In modern usage, humility does not necessarily mean thinking poorly of yourself; it more often describes an accurate, unpretentious view of your abilities and limitations, along with openness to learning from others.

Modern Usage

The quality of being modest about one’s importance, abilities, or achievements and being willing to recognize one’s limitations, mistakes, and dependence on others.

Word Family

Humble, Humbly, Humility, Humbleness

Related Concept

Pride, Ego, Modesty, Self-Awareness, Gratitude, Wisdom, Integrity, Character, Virtue, Respect, Empathy, Compassion, Leadership, Learning, Curiosity, Open-Mindedness, Intellectual Humility, Self-Knowledge, Arrogance, Narcissism, Confidence, Perspective

Narrative

Humility comes from a word connected to the ground. That image still fits remarkably well. Success can elevate you. Praise can elevate you. Knowledge can elevate you. Humility keeps your feet on the ground. It doesn’t require pretending you have no strengths or making yourself smaller than you are. It means knowing that achievement does not make you infallible, intelligence does not mean you know everything, and being right today does not mean you cannot be wrong tomorrow. Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself. It’s remembering that there is always more to learn.