What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
menial
Example
He was assigned the menial task of cleaning the toilets. [menial: adjective]
Example
She spent the day doing menial labor in the fields. [menial: noun]
humble
Example
He was a humble man who never boasted about his accomplishments. [humble: adjective]
Example
She grew up in humble surroundings, but worked hard to achieve her goals. [humble: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Humble is more commonly used than menial in everyday language. Humble is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while menial is less common and more specific to certain types of work or tasks.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between menial and humble?
Both menial and humble can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, humble is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, making it more appropriate for formal settings.