The Western meaning of humility derives from the usage of the Hebrew speaking Jews, Latin speaking Romans and the Greeks, in particular Greek speaking Christians of the first century. In all three languages the word used to describe humility means "low", as in low to the ground: the Hebrew "anawa", the Greek "tapeinos", and they already familiar Latin "humilitas". Used negatively, these terms mean to be put low, that is "to be humiliated". Positively, they mean to lower yourself or "to be humble".
These two uses are radically different. One is the awful experience of being conquered or shamed, and this was the dominant use of the term in ancient times. The other is the noble choice to redirect your power in service of others. This became the dominant usage only late in the Roman. (2nd to 5th centuries A.D.).
The term humility is defined as follows. Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself. More simply, you could say the humble person is marked by a willingness to hold power in service of others.
John Dixon, (Humilitas: a Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadership) Zondervan: Grand Rapids. 2009. Page 24.