متواضع
mutawāḍiʻ
The English word 'humble' is translated into Arabic as متواضع (mutawāḍiʻ).
متواضع is an adjective used to describe someone with a humble character, meaning they think lowly of themselves. It can also be used to describe objects or settings that are modest or simple, such as a بيت متواضع (a humble house).
Meaning: thinking lowly of oneself (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word متواضع is derived from the root w-ḍ-ʻ (و–ض–ع), which means 'to place' or 'to set down'. It literally means 'one who seeks to place oneself low'.
Which one should you use?
While متواضع describes a humble person, its antonym is متكبر, which means 'arrogant' or 'conceited'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
For a masculine plural, use متواضعون by adding the suffix -ūn to the stem.
How do you pronounce it?
mutawāḍiʻ
Did you know?
- The root و–ض–ع inside متواضع is also used to describe the act of lowering the price of something or giving a discount.
- The antonym متكبر comes from the root ك-ب-ر, which means 'large' or 'great', literally describing an arrogant person as someone who tries to make themselves 'big'.
- The concept of 'lowering oneself' in the word's origin reflects a deep cultural value in the Middle East regarding the importance of humility in social hierarchies.
Examples in context
- تقدّر المواهب التي تتمتع بها، ولكنها تظل مُتَوَاضِعَة النفْس.She appreciates the talents she possesses but remains humble.
- هو شخص متواضع جداً.huwa shakhsun mutawadi'un jiddan.He is a very humble person.
- رغم نجاحها، هي متواضعة.raghma najahiha, hiya mutawadi'ah.Despite her success, she is humble.
- يجب أن نكون متواضعين دائماً.yajibu an nakuna mutawadi'ina da'iman.We must always be humble.
Example conversation
Omar and Maryam are talking about a talented colleague.
- عمر Omarهل رأيتِ كيف يتحدث مع الناس؟Hal ra'ayti kayfa yatahad-dath ma'a al-nas?Did you see how he talks to people?
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنه متواضع للغاية رغم موهبته.Na'am, innahu mutawadi' lil-ghaya raghma mawhibatihi.Yes, he is extremely humble despite his talent.
- عمر Omarهذا ما يجعل الجميع يحبونه.Hadha ma yaj'al al-jami' yuhibbunahu.That is what makes everyone love him.
- مريم Maryamأتفق معك يا عمر.Attafiq ma'aka ya Omar.I agree with you, Omar.
