humbling
UK: ˈhʌmblɪŋ | US: ˈhʌmblɪŋ
adj. causing someone to feel less proud or more modest
adj. making someone aware of their limitations or insignificance
n. an experience that makes one feel humble
humbling = humbl<low, modest> + ing<present participle/adjective suffix>
- humbl (from Old French humble, Latin humilis "lowly, insignificant," related to humus "ground")
- ing (suffix forming present participles or adjectives from verbs, e.g., "running," "amazing")
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin humilis, derived from humus (earth/ground), metaphorically conveying "being close to the ground" or "low in status." Over time, humble evolved in Old French and Middle English to describe modesty or lack of pride. The suffix -ing transforms the verb "humble" into an adjective or noun, emphasizing the process or effect of humbling someone.
Losing the competition was a humbling experience for the overconfident athlete.
The vastness of the universe is truly humbling.
She gave a humbling speech about her struggles and failures.
His kindness to strangers was both humbling and inspiring.
The professor’s feedback was harsh but humbling.