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 bragged about his accomplishments. [humble: adjective]
Example
She humbly accepted the award, thanking her team for their support. [humbly: adverb]
modest
Example
She was dressed in a modest outfit that covered her from head to toe. [modest: adjective]
Example
He made a modest proposal for improving the company's productivity. [modest: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Modest is more commonly used than humble in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. However, both words are still frequently used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humble and modest?
Both humble and modest can be used in formal and informal contexts, but humble may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with religious or philosophical concepts of humility.
