proud-spirited

A proud-spirited horse holds its head high as it stands in the meadow.

Definition

Adjective: Having a character marked by a strong sense of pride, self-respect, or dignity; often implying a refusal to submit or be humiliated.

Usage Examples

• (He maintained his dignity and self-respect.)
• (Her pride prevented her from accepting help.)
• (The animal was spirited and independent.)

Advanced Usage

• "proud-spirited rebellion": an act of defiance driven by a sense of personal or collective pride.

  • The proud-spirited rebellion against the unjust law was led by local elders. (The protest was motivated by dignity and honor.)

• "proud-spirited independence": a refusal to depend on others due to strong self-reliance.

  • His proud-spirited independence meant he never asked for help, even when he needed it. (His pride made him self-sufficient.)

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 son's success. (Experiencing pride.)

• Spirited (adj): full of energy, enthusiasm, or determination.

  • The spirited debate lasted for hours. (Lively and energetic.)

• Proud-hearted (adj): having a proud or arrogant nature.

  • The proud-hearted king ignored the advice of his counselors. (Arrogant and self-important.)

Synonyms

• Haughty: arrogantly superior and disdainful.

  • Her haughty demeanor made her unpopular. (Snobbish and condescending.)

• High-spirited: lively, energetic, and often proud.

  • The high-spirited colt was difficult to tame. (Full of energy and pride.)

• Stubbornly proud: unwilling to change one's stance due to pride.

  • He was stubbornly proud and would not apologize. (Inflexible in pride.)

Related Idioms

• Proud as a peacock: extremely proud or vain.

  • He strutted around the office proud as a peacock after his promotion. (Overly proud and showy.)

• Too proud to beg: refusing to ask for help, even when in need.

  • She was too proud to beg for a second chance. (Her pride prevented her from pleading.)

Antonyms

• Humble: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.

  • The humble scholar never boasted about his achievements. (Opposite of proud.)

• Submissive: ready to conform to the authority or will of others.

  • The submissive dog obeyed every command without hesitation. (Opposite of proud-spirited.)