English

Adjective

humbled

1. (usually qualifying a first-person pronoun) Grateful for the support of others, touched; honored, flattered.
   • 2014 September 24, "Web Access... Simon Pegg / Edgar Wright" BBC Online:

     JJ: Are you humbled by such positive reactions from such a wide spectrum of people, from George A Romero to Harry Knowles?

     SP: Absolutely. Yeah, it's wonderful. ... We're very humbled and very pleased.

   • 2014 November 4, John Boehner Statement by Speaker Boehner On Outlook For The 114th Congress:

     We are humbled by the responsibility the American people have placed with us, but this is not a time for celebration.

   • 2015 May, C. Joyce Hall "Humbled and Honored" ABA Health eSource Vol. 11 No. 9:

     I cannot adequately express my sincere thanks to the Section leaders who saw fit to take a chance on me and ask me to get involved in leadership in the Section. Thank you for being excellent role models. I am honored and humbled to serve.

   • 2015 September 12, 'HONORED AND HUMBLED' ESPINOZA TO RECEIVE LAFFIT PINCAY, JR. AWARD Paulick Report:

     "Anytime I win an award of any kind I am honored and humbled," Espinoza said.

2. Overcome with humility; in awe of the strength of another or one's own weakness
   • 2010 February 1, Tom Hagan 'I am humbled by these people' National Catholic Reporter:

     They would continue to suffer greatly but they have a strength that is remarkable. I am humbled by them and privileged to be with them.

Usage notes

The use of such forms as "I am humbled" in victory speeches and the like has been criticised as an oxymoron given the meaning of the verb humble. It indicates modesty via a sense of unworthiness of the honor, or surprise at one's success; humility rather than humiliation. See also humblebrag.^[1][2]

Verb

humbled

1. simple past tense and past participle of humble

References

1. ↑ The Grammarphobia Blog "A humbling victory?" January 4th, 2013
2. ↑ Meghan Daum "Humbletalk: It's just another way to say 'smug'" LA Times December 26, 2013