Arrogance: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：excessive pride (arrogance)

arrogance 🔊

/ˈær.ə.ɡəns/

The feeling or behavior of someone who is too proud and thinks they are better than everyone else.

excessive pride 🔊

➕

/ɪkˈsesɪv praɪd/

A negative characteristic where an individual has an unreasonably high opinion of themselves and disregards others.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'rogare' (ask), meaning 'to claim too much'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of an ARROGANT person who ARROGATES praise, acting like they're above everyone.

📖 Example

The new tech lead's arrogance was evident when he dismissed everyone's suggestions without even listening. 🔊 The new tech lead's arrogance was evident when he dismissed everyone's suggestions without even listening.

🔗 Collocations

sheer arrogance – complete and blatant overconfidence

display arrogance – to show off one's excessive pride

arrogance of power – overconfidence stemming from holding authority

🔄 Synonyms

hubris (n.) – excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall

haughtiness (n.) – the quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainful

conceit (n.) – excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities

🚫 Antonyms

humility (n.) – the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance

modesty (n.) – the quality of being unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities

🌱 Derivatives

arrogant (adj.) – having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance

arrogantly (adv.) – in an arrogant manner

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'arrogantia', meaning improper pride. In ancient Rome, it described behavior beyond acceptable limits, often in legal or social contexts.