Pride

/pɹaɪd/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A feeling of satisfaction or pleasure in something one has done or owns, or in someone closely associated with oneself.

/pɹaɪd/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

She took great pride in her work.

💡 Simply: Pride is that awesome feeling you get when you do something really well, or when someone you care about does something amazing. Like when you ace a test, or your friend scores the winning goal! It's a warm, happy feeling.

👶 For kids: Pride is when you feel really good about yourself or something you did.

More Examples

2

He felt a sense of pride when he saw his daughter graduate.

3

The community showed pride in their local sports team.

How It's Used

General

"She felt a surge of pride when her son won the award."

Social

"National pride was evident during the Olympics."

2

Excessive belief in one's own abilities or worth; arrogance.

/pɹaɪd/

nounnegativemedium
General

A high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or displayed in behavior; haughtiness; arrogance.

His pride prevented him from apologizing.

💡 Simply: Pride can also mean being *too* impressed with yourself – like when you think you're better than everyone else and act like a know-it-all. It’s not about being confident; it’s about being boastful and thinking you're the best, even when you're not.

👶 For kids: Pride can also mean thinking you're better than other people.

More Examples

2

She was humbled by the experience and shed her pride.

3

The company's downfall was attributed to the pride of its leadership.

How It's Used

Literary

"He was consumed by pride and would not admit his mistakes."

Psychology

"Pride can sometimes be a barrier to seeking help."

Tip:Imagine a puffed-up peacock displaying its feathers – a symbol of pride that can become excessive.
3

A group of lions.

/pɹaɪd/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A pride of lions roamed the African plains.

💡 Simply: This is when we talk about a group of lions, like a family. So when you see a bunch of lions together, you can call them a pride!

👶 For kids: A pride is a group of lions.

More Examples

2

The lioness led her pride to the watering hole.

3

The documentary featured a lion pride's daily life.

How It's Used

Zoology

"The pride of lions hunted in the savanna."

Nature documentaries

"The documentary followed the daily life of a lion pride."

Tip:Think of a group of lions sharing their family pride.

Idioms & expressions

pride and joy

Someone or something that brings a great deal of pleasure or satisfaction.

"Their daughter is the pride and joy of the family."

take pride in

To feel a sense of satisfaction and pleasure about something.

"She takes pride in her appearance."

From Old English *pryto* (meaning 'arrogance, ostentation'), related to *prytan* ('to be proud'). Evolved to include a sense of self-respect and satisfaction.

The word 'pride' has been used since Old English times to refer to both a sense of self-worth and arrogance. Early uses often focused on the latter meaning, with the positive connotations of self-respect developing over time.

Memory tip

Think of a lion's pride – a group that has something to be proud of.

priedpryde

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written