graciously; respectfully; with awe
A formal, humble expression used when one feels unworthy or deeply grateful for a favor, often in set phrases like 恐れ多くも申し上げます.
I am deeply honored and humbled to receive such an award.
I beg your pardon, but might I have a moment of your time?
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant using 畏, which emphasizes awe or reverence.
From 恐れ (fear/awe) + 多く (much) + も (even), literally 'even with much awe.' The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it has long been used as a set humble expression.