hum·bly \ˈhəmblē, -li also ˈəm-\adverb Etymology: Middle English umbly, humbly, humblely, from umble, humble + -ly : in a humble manner: as a.: with humility : with a humble aspect or bearing < must say humbly to the haughty dealers — Pearl Buck > b.: in a humble position or condition < strategically, though humbly placed, he holds the job of official translator — Ralph de Toledano >