proud-hearted
Definition
Adjective: Having or showing an excessively high opinion of oneself; arrogant or haughty in demeanor. This term emphasizes a state of being filled with pride, often to the point of disdain for others.
Usage Examples
- (His arrogant attitude prevented him from admitting fault.)
- (The king's haughtiness made him treat others with contempt.)
- (Her excessive pride prevented her from relying on others.)
Advanced Usage
"proud-hearted as a lion": a simile comparing someone's arrogance to the majestic but fierce nature of a lion.
- He strode into the room, proud-hearted as a lion, ignoring everyone around him. (He entered with extreme arrogance and self-importance.)
"proud-hearted and stiff-necked": a biblical or formal expression describing someone who is both arrogant and stubborn.
- The proud-hearted and stiff-necked leader refused to listen to any advice. (The leader was both haughty and obstinate.)
Variants and Related Words
- Proud-heartedness (noun): the quality or state of being proud-hearted.
- His proud-heartedness made it impossible for him to admit his mistakes. (His arrogance prevented humility.)
- Proud (adj): feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions.
- She was proud of her daughter's success. (Note: "proud" is positive, while "proud-hearted" is negative.)
Synonyms
- Haughty: arrogantly superior and disdainful.
- Arrogant: having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
- Supercilious: behaving as if one is better than others.
- Conceited: excessively proud of oneself.
Antonyms
- Humble: having a modest opinion of one's own importance.
- Meek: quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.
- Modest: unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.
Related Idioms
Too big for one's britches: (informal) having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance.
- After his promotion, he became too big for his britches, acting proud-hearted toward his former colleagues. (He became arrogant and condescending.)
Pride goeth before a fall: a proverb meaning that excessive pride leads to failure or humiliation.
- His proud-hearted behavior ensured that pride would goeth before a fall. (His arrogance would soon lead to his downfall.)