pride oneself

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Definition

Verb phrase: * To take satisfaction or feel a sense of personal worth and achievement from something one is, has done, or is associated with. It implies a feeling of justified self-respect or pleasure in one's own or a closely connected person's qualities, accomplishments, or possessions.

Usage and Examples
  • Basic Usage: The phrase is typically used with the preposition "on" to specify the source of pride.
    • She prides herself on her meticulous attention to detail.
    • The company prides itself on its commitment to sustainable practices.
  • Reflexive Pronoun: The object pronoun () must agree with the subject.
    • I pride myself on being punctual.
    • They pride themselves on their community work.
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase can be used to describe taking pride in a skill, a character trait, a standard, or a result.
    • He prides himself on his ability to remain calm under pressure. (Skill/Trait)
    • This restaurant prides itself on using only locally sourced ingredients. (Standard)
  • It often carries a connotation of something that is actively maintained or achieved, not merely a passive characteristic.
Variants and Related Words
  • Pride (noun): A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from achievements, qualities, or possessions.
    • She felt great pride after finishing the marathon.
  • Proud (adjective): Feeling pride.
    • He is proud of his daughter's accomplishments.
  • Take pride in (verb phrase): A very close synonym, often interchangeable with "pride oneself on."
    • She takes great pride in her work.
Synonyms
  • Take pride in: To derive a sense of satisfaction from.
  • Congratulate oneself on: To feel pleased about one's own achievement (can sometimes imply smugness).
  • Flatter oneself: To believe something favorable about oneself, often with a hint of self-deception.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • Pride comes before a fall (or Pride goeth before a fall): This proverb warns that arrogance or overconfidence often leads to failure or disaster. It is related to the noun "pride" (meaning arrogance) rather than the positive sense in "pride oneself."
    • He was so sure he would win without studying, but pride comes before a fall.
Verb
  1. feel proud of
    • She took great pride in her sons

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