What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humbly
Example
She humbly asked for forgiveness for her mistake. [humbly: adverb]
Example
He spoke humbly to the king, acknowledging his own limitations. [humbly: adverb]
meekly
Example
She meekly accepted the criticism without defending herself. [meekly: adverb]
Example
He meekly followed the orders of his boss, even though he disagreed. [meekly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Humbly is more commonly used than meekly in everyday language. Humbly is a more positive word that can be used in various contexts, while meekly is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humbly and meekly?
Both humbly and meekly are formal words that are appropriate in polite or respectful situations. However, humbly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while meekly is more limited in its usage and may sound overly submissive in some situations.
