Humbling

/ˈhʌmbəlɪŋ/ adjective, verb

Definition

Making someone feel less proud or confident, usually by showing them they're not as good at something as they thought.

Etymology

From Latin 'humilis' meaning 'on the ground or low', combined with the suffix '-ing'. The word originally described making someone physically or socially low, then evolved to mean reducing pride.

Kelly Says

When something is humbling, it literally brings you down to earth—and scientists have found that humbling experiences actually make people more creative and empathetic because they stop being so self-focused!

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