Humility vs. Haughty — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Humility involves a modest view of one's importance, while haughtiness is characterized by an arrogant and disdainfully proud demeanor.
Difference Between Humility and Haughty
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Humility is the quality of being humble, often reflecting a lack of ego or a low view of one's own importance, whereas haughtiness involves an exaggerated sense of one's superiority over others.
In humility, individuals often acknowledge their limitations and are open to others' ideas and feedback, whereas haughty people may dismiss outside opinions, believing their own to be inherently superior.
Humility typically fosters positive social interactions, enhancing relationships and teamwork, while haughtiness can lead to isolation and conflict as it often alienates others.
Those who practice humility tend to be approachable and respectful, valuing others’ contributions, in contrast to haughty individuals who may display contempt or indifference towards those they deem inferior.
While humility is generally admired and seen as a virtue in many cultures and religious traditions, haughtiness is often viewed negatively, associated with pride and egoism.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A modest or low view of one's own importance
Arrogantly superior and disdainful
Social Impact
Enhances relationships, promotes teamwork
Alienates others, creates conflict
Perceived Value
Admired as a virtue in many societies
Generally viewed negatively
Approachability
High, due to respectful attitude
Low, due to dismissive behavior
Self-awareness
High, acknowledges personal limitations
Low, often denies or ignores flaws
Compare with Definitions
Humility
The characteristic of not believing oneself to be inherently better than others.
His humility is evident in how he listens to everyone's input during meetings.
Haughty
Displaying a disdainfully proud demeanor that alienates others.
His haughty attitude during the meeting created unnecessary tension.
Humility
A humble state or quality of being modest about one's own importance.
She accepted the award with humility, emphasizing her team's effort.
Haughty
The trait of feeling and behaving like one is superior to others.
Her haughty tone made it difficult to approach her with ideas.
Humility
The virtue of putting others before oneself.
His humility is shown through his frequent volunteer work.
Haughty
Describing an arrogantly proud manner that shows disdain for others.
His haughty dismissal of the feedback was off-putting.
Humility
Recognition and acceptance of one's limitations and faults.
Her humility led her to seek advice when she was unsure.
Haughty
An attribute of excessive pride and self-importance.
Her haughty refusal to apologize worsened the situation.
Humility
A personal attribute marked by an absence of ego.
Despite his vast wealth, his humility keeps him grounded.
Haughty
An attitude marked by contempt for those considered inferior.
He gave a haughty laugh at the suggestion from the junior staff.
Humility
Humility is the quality of being humble. Dictionary definitions accentuate humility as a low self-regard and sense of unworthiness.
Haughty
Scornfully and condescendingly proud.
Humility
The quality or condition of being humble.
Haughty
Conveying in demeanour the assumption of superiority; disdainful, supercilious.
Humility
The characteristic of being humble; humbleness in character and behavior.
Haughty
High; lofty; bold.
To measure the most haughty mountain's height.
Equal unto this haughty enterprise.
Humility
The state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth; a sense of one's own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness; self-abasement; humbleness.
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind.
Haughty
Disdainfully or contemptuously proud; arrogant; overbearing.
A woman of a haughty and imperious nature.
Humility
An act of submission or courtesy.
With these humilities they satisfied the young king.
Haughty
Indicating haughtiness; as, a haughty carriage.
Satan, with vast and haughty strides advanced,Came towering.
Humility
A disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride;
Not everyone regards humility as a virtue
Haughty
Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy;
Some economists are disdainful of their colleagues in other social disciplines
Haughty aristocrats
His lordly manners were offensive
Walked with a prideful swagger
Very sniffy about breaches of etiquette
His mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious air
Shaggy supercilious camels
A more swaggering mood than usual
Humility
A humble feeling;
He was filled with humility at the sight of the Pope
Common Curiosities
Why is humility considered a virtue?
Humility is seen as a virtue because it promotes social harmony and acknowledges human equality and limitations.
What is the main difference between humility and haughtiness?
Humility involves modesty and low self-importance, while haughtiness involves arrogance and a disdainful pride.
Can a person display both humility and haughtiness?
Typically, these traits are opposites, but a person might exhibit humility in some situations and haughtiness in others.
How do cultures vary in their appreciation of humility?
Different cultures vary in how they value humility, with many Eastern cultures placing a higher emphasis on it than some Western cultures.
What are the social repercussions of being haughty?
Being haughty can lead to social isolation and conflicts due to its alienating and superior demeanor.
How can one develop humility?
Developing humility can involve self-reflection, recognizing one's faults, and valuing others' perspectives.
What psychological impact does haughtiness have on an individual?
Psychologically, haughtiness can lead to isolation and an unrealistic self-image.
How is humility perceived in the workplace?
Humility in the workplace is valued for enhancing teamwork and cooperation.
How does haughtiness manifest in social settings?
In social settings, haughtiness may manifest as dismissive or condescending behavior, often causing discomfort or resentment among others.
Is haughtiness ever beneficial?
While generally seen negatively, in some contexts, haughtiness might project confidence and authority.
What are examples of humility in religious contexts?
Many religions praise humility as a path to spiritual enlightenment and a way to foster community and compassion.
How is humility linked to emotional intelligence?
Humility is often linked to higher emotional intelligence, involving an awareness of one’s emotions and those of others.
How can parents teach children humility?
Parents can teach humility by modeling humble behaviors and encouraging children to appreciate and respect others.
How can humility affect leadership?
Humble leaders are often more effective as they garner respect and foster open communication.
Can haughtiness affect personal relationships?
Yes, haughtiness can negatively impact personal relationships, leading to difficulties in forming close connections.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
