adjective
humbled
adjective
1
Made to feel less important or proud, often after a defeat or setback.
"The champion was humbled by a surprise loss in the first round."
"He felt humbled after realizing how much he still had to learn."
2
Deeply grateful and moved, often said in response to praise or support.
"I'm truly humbled by all the kind messages I've received."
"She said she felt humbled to receive the award."
How to Use Humbled
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither brought down a notch by a setback, or genuinely moved and grateful for recognition.
Common mistake
In award speeches, "humbled" is often used loosely to mean simply "grateful" rather than literally "made humble."
Word Forms
more humbled comparative, most humbled superlative
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The champion was _____ by a surprise loss in the first round.