Definition

1. Noun:

   • 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: A positive sense of self-worth and gratification.
   • A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect: A feeling that you are behaving with honor and integrity.
   • Consciousness of one's own dignity: The quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance; arrogance.
   • The best state of something; the prime: The period when something is at its peak or most splendid condition.
   • A group of lions forming a social unit.

2. Verb:

   • To be especially proud of a particular quality or skill: To take satisfaction in something considered a source of credit.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She felt a great sense of pride after finishing the marathon.
  • His pride prevented him from asking for help.
  • The garden is in its full pride during the spring.
  • We saw a pride of lions resting under a tree.

• Verb:

  • He prides himself on his punctuality.
  • She prides herself on being an excellent listener.

Advanced Usage

• Pride of place: The most prominent or important position.

  • The trophy took pride of place on the mantelpiece.

• Swallow one's pride: To do something even though it is embarrassing or humiliating to do so.

  • He had to swallow his pride and admit he was wrong.

• A source of pride: Something that causes a feeling of pride.

  • Her children are a great source of pride for her.

Variants and Related Words

• Proud (adj.): Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions.

  • She was proud of her team's effort.

• Prideful (adj.): Having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself.

  • He was too prideful to accept criticism.

Synonyms

• Noun: Dignity, self-respect, honor, gratification, arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, splendor.
• Verb: Congratulate oneself, take pride in, flatter oneself.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Pride comes/goes before a fall: Being too confident or arrogant often leads to failure or a setback.

  • He was boasting about his invincibility, but pride comes before a fall.

• Take (a) pride in: To do something carefully or well because you feel it is important.

  • She takes great pride in her work.

• Pocket one's pride: Similar to "swallow one's pride."

  • He pocketed his pride and asked for a loan.

Noun

1. unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem (personified as one of the deadly sins)
2. a group of lions
3. the trait of being spurred on by a dislike of falling below your standards
4. satisfaction with your (or another's) achievements
   • he takes pride in his son's success
5. a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

Verb

1. be proud of
   • He prides himself on making it into law school