Humility

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Humility

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

hyoo-MIL-ih-tee  /hjuːˈmɪlɪti/

Definition

The quality of having a modest or low view of one's own importance; the absence of pride or arrogance; a disposition to acknowledge one's own errors, limitations, and the achievements of others.

Plain meaning

Humility is the quality of being humble — not thinking too highly of yourself, being open to learning, acknowledging your own mistakes, and giving credit to others. It is widely regarded as a virtue in religious, moral, and social traditions. Intellectual humility specifically means being open to the possibility that you might be wrong.

Register

Formal to moral-elevated. Humility is used in religious, ethical, psychological, and everyday contexts. It carries strongly positive connotations in most traditions. False humility — the performance of modesty while actually being proud — is generally viewed as worse than honest pride.