humbly

Everyday

1. Humbly means in a modest way, not thinking you are better or more important than others. tree →
2. Humbly means in a very polite, respectful way, especially when asking for something or saying sorry. tree →
3. (church) In prayers and hymns, people come to God humbly, with humble hearts. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, servants and polite characters speak humbly to kings; in RE and church life, people pray humbly, as in «we humbly pray». In ethics, winners who thank others humbly are admired. Phrases: «humbly ask», «humbly apologise», «humbly beg your pardon», «live humbly».

Examples

• The winner humbly thanked her team. tree →
• «I humbly ask for your forgiveness,» said the knight. tree →
• We humbly pray for those who are ill. tree →
• He lived humbly in a small cottage. tree →
• The servant bowed humbly before the queen. tree →
• She humbly admitted she had made a mistake. tree →

Note

From «humble» + «-ly» (the e drops: humble → humbly). Noun «humility». Being humble is not saying you are useless; it means knowing your worth without boasting.

In Jewish tradition

Being modest before God and not proud.

Interpretation. In Micah, walking humbly with God is one of the three great requirements. Tradition often names this verse as a short summary of what God wants from people.

Examples

• It hath been told thee, O man, what is good, and what the LORD doth require of thee: only to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. (Prophets MIC.6.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

From «humble» + «-ly» (the e drops: humble → humbly). Noun «humility». Being humble is not saying you are useless; it means knowing your worth without boasting.