Tapeinophrosyne

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A modest, humble state of mind in which a person thinks little of their own importance
2. The quality of having a meek and unassuming attitude, free from pride or self-regard
3. Lowliness of spirit, a deliberate disposition to regard oneself as small and unpretentious

Etymology: Tapeinophrosyne is a real Greek word, not an English coinage, and it has a surprisingly ordinary origin: it is a compound of "tapeinos", meaning low, humble or lowly, and "phrēn", meaning mind, heart or spirit. Literally, it describes a lowly mind, or humbleness of spirit. In the New Testament, the Greek word appears in the sense of modest or humble-minded conduct, which is why it was adopted into the vocabulary of early Christian writing. English took the word over in the sense of humility of mind, and it has remained a rare, learned term, mostly found in theological and literary contexts. Its sound and structure are typical of Greek compounds, with the "-osyne" ending marking an abstract noun formed from an adjective.

Synonyms: humility, meekness, modesty, lowliness, humbleness

Antonyms: pride, arrogance, hubris