French Conversation · Level 41
75 words
French word
humble
Pronunciation
IPA/œ̃bl/
Meaning
- adjectivehumble
Example
Il est très humble.
He is very humble.
More examples
Malgré son succès, il reste humble.
Despite his success, he remains humble.
Core concept
A capable person receives praise without turning personal success into a display of superiority.
Common phrases
être humble
be humble
rester humble
remain humble
Similar words
modeste: Speaking modestly about one's good qualities rather than emphasizing them.
discret: Discreet in manner, with little wish to draw attention through words or actions.
timide: Easily nervous in new settings and inclined to hold back.
réservé: Reserved in manner and not inclined to express inner feelings openly.
Definition in French
Qui ne cherche pas à attirer l'attention par ses qualités ou ses succès et qui montre peu d'orgueil.
Word origin
French humble derives from Old French humble and ultimately from Latin humilis, whose sense of low position was linked to humus, or earth.
Usage tips
- The French h in humble is silent, and the word is pronounced as one syllable with a pronounced final l, unlike the usual English pronunciation.
Other meanings
- modestadjective
- unassumingadjective
Opposites
- orgueilleuxproudadjective
- hautainhaughtyadjective
Related words
- humilitéhumilitynoun
- humblementhumblyadverb