Proud
/praʊd/
Definitions
3 meaningsFeeling pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, the achievements of someone with whom one is associated, or qualities or possessions that one admires.
/praʊd/
Feeling pleased and satisfied about something you possess or have done.
The parents were proud of their daughter's graduation.
💡 Simply: Imagine you just aced a test or finished a really hard project. Being proud is like feeling super happy and pleased with yourself because you did something great!
👶 For kids: Feeling happy about something you or someone you know did really well.
More Examples
He felt proud of his work on the project.
She was proud to be a part of the team.
I am proud of my heritage.
How It's Used
"She was proud of her son's achievements."
"I am proud to call you my friend."
Having or showing a high opinion of oneself; arrogant.
/praʊd/
Having a high opinion of oneself.
The emperor was proud, refusing to acknowledge his mistakes.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'proud' can mean someone thinks they're better than others. Like they're showing off or acting like they're too good for something.
👶 For kids: Thinking you are really, really good at something, maybe even a little too much.
More Examples
Her proud demeanor made her seem distant.
He was proud of his family's reputation.
Her proud stance showed she thought she was above everyone else
How It's Used
"He walked with a proud bearing, head held high."
"The king, proud and aloof, ruled his kingdom."
Of a person or animal: dignified and impressive; displaying a sense of their own importance.
/praʊd/
majestic or splendid in appearance
The proud horse paraded in the show.
💡 Simply: When something is beautiful and shows power.
👶 For kids: Something looks good and important.
More Examples
The proud castle stood on the hill.
the proud eagle soaring in the sky
The proud lion surveyed his domain
How It's Used
"a proud eagle soaring in the sky."
"the proud lion surveyed his domain."
Synonyms
Content
Fulfilled
Pleased
Arrogant
Dignified
Majestic
Noble
Idioms & expressions
proud as a peacock
Very proud and pleased with oneself, often to an excessive degree.
"He struts around, proud as a peacock, after winning the award."
take pride in
To feel a sense of satisfaction and pleasure about something.
"She takes pride in her appearance."
a proud moment
A time when someone feels a lot of pride, often about a achievement.
"Graduation was a proud moment for the whole family."
From Middle English *proud, prud*, from Old English *prūd* 'proud, arrogant', of uncertain origin, possibly related to Proto-Germanic *prudaz*. The meaning shifted over time to include feelings of satisfaction and pleasure.
The word 'proud' has evolved from describing arrogant behavior to encompass a wider range of feelings including satisfaction and dignity. Early uses in Old English centered more on the sense of arrogance.
Memory tip
Think of a peacock, which is proud of its beautiful feathers.