humility

Part of Speech: Noun

Pronunciation: /hjuːˈmɪlɪti/

Definitions:

• Noun: The quality of being humble and having a modest opinion of one's own importance.
• The state of not being proud, arrogant, or boastful.
• The act of showing respect or deference to others, often through self-restraint or modest behavior.

Usage Examples:

• Her humility in the face of praise was a rare and admirable trait.
• Despite his success, he always showed great humility towards others.
• Humility is often regarded as a virtue in many religious and cultural traditions.

Etymology:

Derived from the Latin word "humilitas," meaning "lowness" or "humbleness," which in turn comes from "humus," meaning "earth" or "ground." The term was first used in the English language during the 14th century to convey the sense of lowliness and modesty.

Synonyms:

• modesty
• humbleness
• self-effacement
• meekness
• unpretentiousness

Antonyms:

• arrogance
• pride
• hubris
• vanity
• egotism

Translations:

Regional Pronunciation Variations:

The pronunciation of "humility" may vary slightly depending on regional accents. For instance, in British English, the emphasis is more evenly spread across the syllables, while American English often places a slightly heavier stress on the second syllable.

Historical Usage:

Humility has long been regarded as a virtue in many religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. It has been seen as a necessary quality for personal growth, moral development, and spiritual enlightenment. Historically, humility was often linked with submission to a higher power or recognition of one's own limitations.

Cultural Nuances:

In many cultures, humility is associated with modesty, self-restraint, and a lack of ostentation. It is often regarded as a key to harmonious social interactions and is highly valued in both personal relationships and professional settings. However, in some modern contexts, excessive humility may be seen as self-deprecating or lacking in self-confidence.

More Information:

Humility is more than just the absence of arrogance; it is an active practice of recognizing and accepting one's place in the larger context of society, nature, or the universe. It involves acknowledging one's flaws and limitations while still striving to make a positive impact. In contemporary discussions, humility has been linked to emotional intelligence, leadership, and the ability to foster healthy relationships.