Humble vs. Kindness — What's the Difference?
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By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 16, 2023
Humble refers to having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance; kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
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Difference Between Humble and Kindness
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To be humble is to exhibit a lack of arrogance or pretense, reflecting an understanding and acceptance of one’s limitations and flaws. It is an inward quality, related to one’s self-perception and attitude. In contrast, kindness is an outward expression of goodwill and compassion, directed towards other people, animals, or entities, which can manifest through acts of help, understanding, and generosity.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
In essence, while humble pertains more to one’s attitude and perspective about oneself, relating to modesty and lack of arrogance, kindness pertains to one’s behavior towards others, signifying benevolence and a desire to contribute to the well-being and happiness of others.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Humble and kindness are terms that pertain to virtues but represent different aspects of human behavior. Being humble denotes a modest view of one’s own importance, where an individual doesn’t consider themselves superior to others. On the contrary, kindness refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, emphasizing an individual’s behavior and actions towards others, which can encompass a variety of benevolent acts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
A humble disposition allows an individual to approach life and relationships with an open and learning mindset, appreciating others’ value and acknowledging one’s own shortcomings and need for growth. Conversely, kindness fosters positive and constructive interactions, contributing to social harmony and cooperation by promoting mutual respect and empathy.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
The quality of being humble often involves a level of self-restraint and the avoidance of excessive self-pride or ego, allowing individuals to maintain a balanced and realistic view of themselves. Whereas kindness is proactive, involving actions or behaviors that aim to bring comfort, happiness, or assistance to others, showing a concern for the well-being of those around oneself.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A modest view of one’s own importance.
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Expression
Inward, related to lack of arrogance or pretense.
Outward, manifested through benevolent acts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Contribution
Enables personal growth and open-mindedness.
Fosters social harmony and mutual respect.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
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Definitions
Humble
Reflecting an understanding and acceptance of one’s flaws.
His humble acceptance of his mistakes showed his maturity.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Kindness
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Her kindness towards strangers was remarkable.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Humble
Having or showing a modest estimate of one's importance.
Despite his success, he remained humble and approachable.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Kindness
Expressing concern and support for the well-being of others.
The kindness shown by the volunteers brought joy to the residents.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Humble
Marked by modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit.
She led a humble life, devoted to helping others.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Kindness
An act of goodwill and compassion towards others.
Random acts of kindness can create a positive ripple effect in communities.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Humble
Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Kindness
A benevolent and helpful action or disposition.
His act of kindness made a significant difference in her life.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Kindness
A tendency to choose to be kind and generous to others.
His kindness was reflected in his everyday actions and demeanor.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Humble
Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly
A humble cottage.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Kindness
Kindness is a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward. Kindness was one of the main topics in the Bible.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
To cause to feel humble
"He was humbled by the lack of consolation in Kornblum's expression" (Michael Chabon).
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Kindness
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate
He thanked them for their kindness and support
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
Not pretentious or magnificent; unpretending; unassuming.
He lives in a humble one-bedroom cottage.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
Having a low opinion of oneself; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; modest.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Kindness
The state of being kind.
Jamie's kindness is legendary, so much that people have taken advantage of her.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
(ambitransitive) To defeat or reduce the power, independence, or pride of
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
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.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
To make humble or lowly; to make less proud or arrogant; to make meek and submissive.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
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.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Kindness
The quality of being warm-hearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
An arrest based on weak evidence intended to demean or punish the subject.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
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.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
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.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
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.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
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.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of;
He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
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
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
Of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this sense);
Baseborn wretches with dirty faces
Of humble (or lowly) birth
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Tayyaba Rehman
Jan 30, 2023
Humble
Lacking pretentiousness or vanity; unassuming.
Her humble demeanor endeared her to her peers.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Humble
Not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness.
His humble approach to discussions facilitated constructive dialogue.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
What is kindness?
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate to others.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can a person be both humble and kind?
Absolutely, a person can be both humble, showing modesty and lack of arrogance, and kind, exhibiting benevolence and goodwill towards others.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
How does humble relate to self-perception?
Being humble relates to having a modest, realistic, and unpretentious view of oneself, recognizing one’s flaws and limitations.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
What does humble mean?
Humble means having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Is being humble about having low self-esteem?
No, being humble is about having a balanced and realistic self-view, recognizing one’s value and shortcomings without devaluing oneself.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
How is kindness expressed?
Kindness is expressed through benevolent actions, behaviors, and attitudes directed towards others, showing goodwill and compassion.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
How does kindness contribute to social harmony?
Kindness fosters mutual respect, understanding, and empathy among individuals, creating positive interactions and reducing conflicts, thus contributing to social harmony.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can acts of kindness have a positive impact on the giver?
Yes, performing acts of kindness can boost the well-being, happiness, and fulfillment of the giver, creating a sense of purpose and connection.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Does kindness only involve big, generous acts?
No, kindness can be expressed through both big and small acts of consideration, generosity, and compassion towards others.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Is being humble a sign of weakness?
No, being humble is a sign of strength and maturity, reflecting an understanding and acceptance of one’s limitations and a willingness to learn and grow.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can being humble lead to personal growth?
Yes, being humble can lead to personal growth by fostering an open and learning mindset and allowing individuals to appreciate others and recognize areas for self-improvement.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Why is kindness important in society?
Kindness is crucial in society as it fosters a sense of community, cooperation, and support, creating a positive and inclusive environment for all individuals.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Is humility the same as being humble?
Yes, humility is the quality or state of being humble, reflecting a modest view of one’s importance and a lack of arrogance or pretentiousness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
How does being humble affect relationships?
Being humble can positively impact relationships by promoting mutual respect, open communication, and understanding, reducing the likelihood of conflicts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Author Spotlight
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.