What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humble
Example
He was a humble man who never boasted about his achievements. [humble: adjective]
Example
She humbly accepted the award, thanking her colleagues for their support. [humbly: adverb]
lowly
Example
He worked his way up from a lowly clerk to a successful businessman. [lowly: adjective]
Example
She took on the lowly task of cleaning the bathroom without complaint. [lowly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Humble is more commonly used than lowly in everyday language. Humble is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lowly is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between humble and lowly?
Both humble and lowly can be used in formal and informal contexts, but humble is more commonly used in formal settings due to its positive connotation.