humility
Humility is the quality of having a modest or low view of one's own importance. It is the mental image of someone who, despite having great talent or success, remains grounded and does not feel the need to boast or seek constant validation from others. In usage, humility is often praised as a virtue in leadership and personal character. It is frequently collocated with words like "deep," "genuine," or "intellectual," and is often contrasted with arrogance or pride. It is a formal term, usually used to describe a person’s temperament in professional or moral contexts.
In conversation
After a big win
You were incredible out there! How does it feel to be the MVP?
You were incredible out there! How does it feel to be the MVP?
Thanks, but it was really a team effort. I couldn't have done it without the defense.
Thanks, but it was really a team effort. I couldn't have done it without the defense.
Mark displays humility by shifting credit to his team rather than focusing on his own glory.
Mentorship advice
The key to learning is admitting you don't know everything.
The key to learning is admitting you don't know everything.
I suppose that takes a certain level of humility.
I suppose that takes a certain level of humility.
Humility here is framed as an intellectual necessity for growth.
Examples
She accepted the award with great humility.
She accepted the award with great humility.
True humility is staying humble even when you have every reason to be proud.
True humility is staying humble even when you have every reason to be proud.
His humility in the face of such overwhelming success earned him the respect of his harshest critics.
His humility in the face of such overwhelming success earned him the respect of his harshest critics.
