smug
/smʌg/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Excessively self-satisfied or complacent: Feeling or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements, often to the point of being irritating or narrow-minded.
Usage
The adjective "smug" is used to describe a person, expression, or attitude that displays too much satisfaction with oneself, one's situation, or one's own correctness. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is unaware of their own shortcomings or is being annoyingly superior.
Examples
- Adjective:
- He had a smug smile on his face after winning the argument.
- She felt a smug sense of superiority when she finished the project first.
- I dislike his smug attitude about never making mistakes.
Advanced Usage
"smug self-assurance": An overconfident belief in oneself that is perceived as arrogant.
- The politician answered questions with a smug self-assurance that alienated many voters.
"smug satisfaction": A feeling of pleasure derived from one's own success or superiority, often perceived as excessive.
- He took smug satisfaction in proving his critics wrong.
Variants and Related Words
Smugly (adverb): In a smug manner.
- He smugly announced that he had predicted the outcome all along.
Smugness (noun): The quality or state of being smug.
- Her smugness was evident in every word she spoke.
Synonyms
- Complacent: Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.
- Self-satisfied: Pleased with oneself, especially in an arrogant or smug way.
- Sanctimonious: Making a show of being morally superior to others.
Antonyms
- Humble: Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
- Self-effacing: Not claiming attention for oneself; retiring and modest.
Idioms and Phrases
- "Smug as a bug in a rug": (Informal idiom) Extremely comfortable and self-satisfied.
- After getting the promotion, he was as smug as a bug in a rug.
Adjective
- marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
- a smug glow of self-congratulation