Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

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!