pride means the quality or state of being proud.; A sense of one's own worth; reasonable self-esteem and satisfaction (in oneself, in one's work, one's family, etc).
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, pride ranks #7,152 of 14,445 for Most Beautiful Words.
pride is pronounced /pɹaɪd/.
Why “pride” is a great word
A deep, often swelling pleasure or satisfaction drawn from one's own worthy accomplishments, from the triumphs of one's kin or kind, or from qualities held in high esteem. Its lineage traces from the Old English prūd (proud), likely through Old French words for bravery and worth, back to the Latin prōdesse—to be of use. Unlike "conceit," a hollow overestimation of self, or "humility," a conscious minimization of it, pride requires a ledger of real merit, a substance to its claim. It is the quiet heat in the chest at a child's graduation, the straightening of a weary back over a garden perfectly weeded, and the communal breath held as a flag ascends—the permissible vanity of having been, in some measure, useful.
Etymology
From Middle English pryde, pride, from Old English prȳde, prȳte (“pride”) (compare Old Norse prýði (“bravery, pomp”)), derivative of Old English prūd (“proud”). More at proud. The verb derives from the noun, at least since the 12th century.
noun
- The quality or state of being proud.; A sense of one's own worth; reasonable self-esteem and satisfaction (in oneself, in one's work, one's family, etc).e.g.“He swelled with pride as he held the trophy. His family watched with pride from the bleachers.”
- The quality or state of being proud.; An unreasonable overestimation of one's own superiority in terms of talents, or looks, wealth, importance, etc., which comes across as being haughty, lofty, and often showing contempt of others; exaggerated self-worth.
- Proud or disdainful behavior or treatment that reflects such an attitude (of haughtiness); arrogance.e.g.“Pride goeth before the fall.”
- Something or someone of which one is proud; that which is the source of self-congratulation and self-esteem (whether reasonable or arrogant), for examplee.g.“Her long ginger hair is her pride.”
- Show; ostentation; glory.e.g.“lofty trees yclad with summer's pride”
- Highest level or rank; (figurative) elevation reached; loftiness or glory.e.g.“a falcon, towering in her pride of place”
- Consciousness of power; fullness of animal spirits; mettle; wantonness.
- Lust or heat; sexual desire (especially in a female animal)
- A company of lions or other large felines.
- A festival or other event, usually involving a march or parade and organized annually within a city, to celebrate the experiences and identities of LGBTQ people and to promote their interests and rights.
- A movement encouraging a positive approach to personal identity amongst LGBTQ people.
- The small European lamprey species Petromyzon branchialis.
verb
- To take or experience pride in something; to be proud of it.e.g.“I pride myself on being a good judge of character.”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.