Learn how to use the comparative “humbler” and superlative “humblest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “humble”?

The comparative form of “humble” is “humbler”.

Example

He became humbler after his defeat.

Example

She spoke humbler than I expected.

What is the superlative form of “humble”?

The superlative form of “humble” is “humblest”.

Example

Among all the contestants, she was the humblest.

Example

He is known for being the humblest person I know.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with humble, humbler, and humblest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more humble' and 'most humble' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, humbler and humblest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Humble does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: HumbleHumbler Superlative: HumbleHumblest

Expressions with similar meanings to “humbler”

Used to describe someone who is more modest in their actions or behavior

Example

Despite his success, he remained more modest than anyone else.

Used to indicate someone who is less proud or arrogant

Example

After his mistake, he became less proud and more willing to listen to others.

Used to describe someone who is more unpretentious or modest

Example

She was more unassuming than her famous siblings, despite her own achievements.

Expressions with similar meanings to “humblest”

Similar to humblest, this emphasizes someone who is the most modest in their actions or behavior

Example

Out of all the candidates, she was the most modest about her qualifications.

Used to describe someone who is the least proud or arrogant

Example

Despite his fame, he remains the least proud person I know.

Used to describe someone who is the most unpretentious or modest

Example

She was the most unassuming winner of the competition, surprising everyone with her talent.

Using than with comparative “humbler”

When using the comparative form humbler to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She spoke humbler than I expected." Here, than is used to show that the level of humility in 'her' speaking was greater than the level of humility I expected.

How can I use this expression in context?

“humbler” and “humblest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Achievements

    Despite his success, he remained the humbler of the two.

    Despite his success, he remained the humbler of the two.

  • 2Interactions

    She spoke humbler than her opponent during the debate.

    She spoke humbler than her opponent during the debate.

  • 3Personal Growth

    After his mistake, he became humbler and more open to feedback.

    After his mistake, he became humbler and more open to feedback.

  • 4Personality Traits

    Out of all the candidates, she was the humblest about her qualifications.

    Out of all the candidates, she was the humblest about her qualifications.

  • 5Characteristics

    He is known for being the humblest person I know.

    He is known for being the humblest person I know.

Related idioms and phrases

Pride comes before a fall

Being too proud or arrogant can lead to failure or downfall.

Example

He thought he was invincible, but pride comes before a fall.

Eat humble pie

To admit one's mistakes or faults and accept humiliation or defeat.

Example

After his rude behavior, he had to eat humble pie and apologize.

Put someone in their place

To remind someone of their inferior position or status.

Example

She was acting superior, so I had to put her in her place.

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