smugness
Definition
Noun: An excessive and often irritating feeling of self-satisfaction, pride, or superiority, typically arising from a sense of being more virtuous, intelligent, or successful than others.
Usage
"Smugness" is used to describe an unattractive quality of someone who is overly pleased with themselves, their achievements, or their perceived correctness. It implies a lack of humility and can be perceived as arrogance or complacency. It is often used in a critical or disapproving tone.
Examples
- The smugness in his voice after winning the argument was unbearable.
- She couldn't hide her smugness when her prediction turned out to be correct.
- Public smugness about the country's economic success often ignores underlying problems.
- His constant air of smugness made him very unpopular with his colleagues.
Advanced Usage
- "with smugness": Used to describe the manner in which something is done.
- He answered the question with infuriating smugness.
- "a hint/trace/air of smugness": Describes a slight but noticeable presence of the quality.
- There was a trace of smugness in her smile.
Variants and Related Words
- Smug (adjective): Having or showing the quality of smugness.
- a smug grin
- Smugly (adverb): In a smug manner.
- He smugly pointed out their mistake.
Synonyms
- Complacency
- Self-satisfaction
- Arrogance
- Conceit
- Sanctimoniousness
Antonyms
- Humility
- Modesty
- Self-doubt
- Diffidence
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Resting on one's laurels": While not a direct synonym, this idiom describes a complacent attitude similar to smugness, where one is satisfied with past achievements and makes no new effort.
- The team's smugness led them to rest on their laurels, and they were soon defeated.
Noun
-
an excessive feeling of self-satisfaction
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