humble
UK[ˈhʌmbl]US[ˈhʌmbl]
adj
having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
adj
of low social, administrative, or political rank.
v
cause (someone) to feel less important or proud.
Morpheme Breakdown
hum
ble
hum
ground
ble
capable of
Etymology
the word "humble" originates from the latin adjective humilis, meaning "lowly, on the ground", which itself derives from humus (earth). the literal sense of being low to the ground evolved metaphorically to describe low social status or rank. by the late middle english period, it further developed the psychological meaning of having a modest opinion of oneself, the sense most common today. thus, the core logic moves from the physical (earth) to the social (low rank) to the personal (modesty).
Analysis
Structure: hum (ground) + ble (capable of)
"hum" is from latin humus meaning "earth, ground". "ble" is a common english suffix (from latin -bilis) meaning "capable of, worthy of".
Examples
he was a very humble man, despite his great achievements.
she rose from humble beginnings to become a leader in her field.
the champion was humbled by his unexpected defeat in the first round.