humility

Definition

The characteristic of being humble; humbleness in character and behavior.

Etymology

From Middle English humilite, from Old French (h)umilité, from Latin humilitas (“lowness, meanness, baseness, in Late Latin humility”), from humilis (“low, lowly, humble, earth”). Equivalent to humble + -ity, with /mb/ reduced to /m/ (compare plumbing). Displaced native Old English ēaþmōdnes. Doublet of omertà.

Example Sentences

• "She had established a character for humility, discretion, noiselessness and religion which Mrs. Piper greatly regretted losing."

Related Words