Humble vs. Kindness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 30, 2023
Humble refers to having or showing a modest opinion of one's importance, while Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Key Differences
Humble is an adjective that describes a person's attitude or demeanor, reflecting a lack of arrogance or superiority. In contrast, Kindness is a noun representing benevolent actions or a caring nature toward others.
One can be Humble by recognizing their own limitations and not boasting about their achievements. However, Kindness is manifested through acts of goodwill, such as helping someone in need or offering words of encouragement.
Being Humble doesn't necessarily mean one is kind; it's more about self-awareness and modesty. Kindness, on the other hand, inherently involves the well-being and feelings of others.
Humble origins relate to lowliness and groundedness, often tied to a person's perspective about themselves. Kindness, however, is universally regarded as a virtue, associated with empathy and compassion for others.
A Humble individual might not draw attention to their successes and might deflect praise onto others. While someone displaying Kindness will actively reach out, support, and comfort those around them.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Mostly used as an adjective, but can also be a verb (to humble someone).
Primarily used as a noun.
Describes
A person's attitude or outlook, especially regarding self-importance.
A trait or action reflecting compassion or benevolence.
Involvement of Others
More about self-perspective, may not always involve others directly.
Inherently involves others, as it's about how one treats or interacts with them.
Antonyms
Arrogant, boastful.
Cruelty, malice.
Related Emotions
Modesty, groundedness.
Empathy, compassion.
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Humble and Kindness Definitions
Humble
Not large or special in any way; ordinary.
They lived in a Humble cottage in the countryside.
Kindness
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Her Kindness towards strangers was remarkable.
Humble
Not complicated; simple.
It's just a Humble meal, but it's made with love.
Kindness
A kind act.
Offering his seat was a simple act of Kindness.
Humble
Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance.
Even after achieving fame, he remained Humble about his beginnings.
Kindness
A favor.
Can you do me a Kindness and pass that book?
Humble
Of low social, administrative, or political rank.
She came from a Humble background but achieved great things.
Kindness
Compassion or benevolence.
Show a little Kindness to those less fortunate.
Humble
To make someone feel less important or proud.
The experience served to Humble him.
Kindness
The quality or state of being kind.
Humble
Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
Kindness
An instance of kind behavior
Your kindnesses won't be forgotten.
Humble
Showing deferential or submissive respect
A humble apology.
Kindness
The state of being kind.
Jamie's kindness is legendary, so much that people have taken advantage of her.
Humble
Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly
A humble cottage.
Kindness
An instance of kind or charitable behaviour.
Do me a kindness and leave.
I'm going to turn a blind eye to this misdemeanour, out of the kindness of my heart.
Humble
To cause to feel humble
"He was humbled by the lack of consolation in Kornblum's expression" (Michael Chabon).
Kindness
The state or quality of being kind, in any of its various senses; manifestation of kind feeling or disposition beneficence.
I do fear thy nature;It is too full o' the milk of human kindnessTo catch the nearest way.
Unremembered actsOf kindness and of love.
Humble
To cause to have a lower condition or status; abase.
Kindness
A kind act; an act of good will; as, to do a great kindness.
Humble
Not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming.
He lives in a humble one-bedroom cottage.
Kindness
The quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
Humble
Having a low opinion of oneself; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; modest.
Kindness
Tendency to be kind and forgiving
Humble
(ambitransitive) To defeat or reduce the power, independence, or pride of
Kindness
A kind act
Humble
To make humble or lowly; to make less proud or arrogant; to make meek and submissive.
Humble
To hum.
Humbling and bumbling
Humble
(transitive) hummel.
Humble
An arrest based on weak evidence intended to demean or punish the subject.
Humble
Near the ground; not high or lofty; not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming; as, a humble cottage.
THy humble nest built on the ground.
Humble
Thinking lowly of one's self; claiming little for one's self; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; thinking one's self ill-deserving or unworthy, when judged by the demands of God; lowly; waek; modest.
God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
She should be humble who would please.
Without a humble imitation of the divine Author of our . . . religion we can never hope to be a happy nation.
Humble
Hornless. See Hummel.
Humble
To bring low; to reduce the power, independence, or exaltation of; to lower; to abase; to humilate.
Here, take this purse, thou whom the heaven's plaguesHave humbled to all strokes.
The genius which humbled six marshals of France.
Humble
To make humble or lowly in mind; to abase the pride or arrogance of; to reduce the self-sufficiently of; to make meek and submissive; - often used rexlexively.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you.
Humble
Cause to be unpretentious;
This experience will humble him
Humble
Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of;
He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
Humble
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Humble
Marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful;
A humble apology
Essentially humble...and self-effacing, he achieved the highest formal honors and distinctions
Humble
Used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)
Humble
Of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense);
Baseborn wretches with dirty faces
Of humble (or lowly) birth
FAQs
Are acts of Kindness always visible?
No, Kindness can be both overt, like helping someone, or subtle, like lending an empathetic ear.
Is humility the same as being Humble?
Yes, humility is the quality of being Humble.
Is Kindness a trait or an action?
Kindness can be both a trait (a quality someone possesses) and an action (a benevolent act towards someone).
Can experiences make a person more Humble?
Yes, challenging or eye-opening experiences can lead to greater humility or make someone more Humble.
What does it mean to be Humble?
Being Humble means having a modest view of one's importance, not being arrogant.
Is Kindness innate or learned?
While some may be naturally inclined to Kindness, it can also be nurtured and learned through life experiences.
Can someone be Humble but not kind?
Yes, a person can be Humble (modest) without necessarily displaying Kindness (benevolence).
How does being Humble benefit an individual?
Being Humble allows for personal growth, better relationships, and receptivity to feedback.
Can Kindness be fake?
Yes, sometimes people might display Kindness for ulterior motives, but genuine Kindness comes from a place of empathy and care.
Why is Kindness important in society?
Kindness fosters positive relationships, understanding, and peace within communities.
Is it possible to be too Humble?
Excessive humility might lead to underselling oneself or not recognizing one's worth, so balance is key.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
