Psychology Glossary. Humility. Humility generally refers to an approach to life that lacks egocentricity and actively seeks a low-profile lifestyle lacking wealth and social pretense, and most often involves service to others. It is part of a lifestyle that exercises self-restraint from shows of vanity. In a religious context it can also possess moral and/or ethical dimensions. Basically, people who possess the virtue of humility live and dress modestly, abstain from shows of vanity or pride, live within or even below their means, and practice generosity and charity.