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Humbled vs Honored
Question from the episode of 2/11/13
2013/02/12
7:00am
cjh
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2013/02/12
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Although I agree with Martha and the caller that the literal interpretation of being humbled vs being honored by an award makes saying "I'm humbled" seem odd, I disagree that saying "I'm honored" sounds more modest. To me, saying that you're honored actually sounds presumptuous, as if you were expecting the award all along. Humbled implies a feeling of genuine unworthiness. My best guess is this is an effect akin to double negatives: the logical sense is that you end up with a positive statement, but the effect is often is to emphasize the negativeness. So hearing the word "humbled" emphasizes humility, while hearing "honored" emphasizes the receipt of the award. But you're right that the final impression will be modified by how the speaker delivers the remark and what they say to accompany it!

2013/02/12
7:55am
Robert
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I see it this way  --  Sometimes to please a child, one says 'I am so charmed,' meaning 'you are a charming person to me.'   Similarly, saying 'I am honored' is actually a comment on the establishment or persons who give you the award, a statement meant to show respect.

2013/02/14
3:06pm
MarcNaimark
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Totally agree with Robert. I'm with Martha and Ann on "I'm humbled". You are humbled when you're brought low, not when you win an election or receive an award.

I find it rather insulting when a "winner" says they're "humbled".

Discovered this page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Im-humbled-by-LeBron-James-misuse-of-the-word-humbled/189206974464571

2013/02/14
5:34pm
Robert
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The googosphere is full of comments over 'why are people humbled by an award?'

The basic logic is you suddenly realize how big it is – all the great things and personalities involved in whatever it is that is bestowed on you, all of which making you feel small.
It was in that sense that President Bush used that expression when commenting on his election after that epic Bush-Gore court fight, which he would not have- which other Presidents did? – were it not such an upheaval.
 
Of course there is always the implied flip side of the coin- I am big enough to talk so nice and still big plenty, if not bigger even.
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