humilis
[ˈhʊ.mɪ.lɪs]
To say humble in Latin, you use humilis.
The adjective humilis describes someone who thinks lowly of themselves. It can also be used to describe something that is physically low in height or has a low social status.
Meaning: thinking lowly of oneself (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from humus, meaning 'ground' or 'earth', which literally implies that something is 'on the ground'.
How does it change in a sentence?
humilis is a third-declension adjective that can be used for both masculine and feminine subjects. When you need the plural form, use humiles and if you are using the word as a direct object in the accusative singular, use humilem.
Did you know?
- The English word 'dingle', meaning a small valley or hollow, is a distant relative of the same linguistic roots that produced humilis.
- Because it comes from humus, the word 'humble' is a linguistic relative of 'humus' and 'human', as both are linked to the idea of being made from the earth.
- If you use the word humilis to describe a person of low social status, you are using the exact same word a Roman would use to describe a small, low-growing plant.
Examples in context
- Amicus noster est humilisOur friend is humble
- Maximas gratias tibi ago pro tua humilitateThank you so much for your humility
- Ego humilis sumI am humble
- Vir humilis est.The man is humble.
- Non sum humilis, sed verus.I am not humble, but truthful.
- Hic poeta humilis se habet.This poet carries himself in a humble way.
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are discussing their achievements.
- LuciaTu es optimus orator, Marce.You are the best speaker, Marcus.
- MarcusGratias, sed ego sum humilis.Thank you, but I am humble.
- LuciaTua virtus est clara.Your virtue is clear.
- MarcusHoc modo felix sum.In this way, I am happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “humble” translations and entries humilis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries humilis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
