superbia
Definition
Noun: * Pride, Hubris: An excessive and unreasonable sense of one's own superiority, importance, or worth, considered a serious moral failing. In historical and literary contexts, it is often personified as one of the seven deadly sins.
Usage
- The word superbia is a formal, literary, and often archaic term directly borrowed from Latin. It is used to describe a profound, sinful pride that places oneself above others and, ultimately, above divine authority.
- It is most commonly encountered in theological, philosophical, or classical literary discussions about vice and morality.
- In modern English, its synonyms "hubris" or "overweening pride" are more frequently used in secular contexts.
Examples
- In Dante's , the penitent on the terrace of superbia are bent low under heavy stones to atone for their pride.
- The theologian described superbia as the root from which all other sins grow.
- His downfall was not caused by malice, but by simple superbia—a belief that he was beyond the rules governing ordinary men.
Advanced Usage
- Personified Sin: In allegorical tradition, Superbia (often capitalized) is depicted as a character, such as in medieval morality plays or epic poetry, representing the sin of pride.
- Theological Context: In Christian doctrine, superbia is traditionally listed first among the seven deadly sins (or capital vices), considered the original and most serious sin that leads to all others.
Variants and Related Words
- Proud (adj): Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements or qualities. (Can be neutral or positive, unlike which is always negative and extreme).
- Pride (n): A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction. Also used as the standard modern English equivalent for the sin of .
- Hubris (n): Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall. A direct synonym from Greek, common in literary and critical analysis.
- Arrogance (n): An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner. A more common modern synonym.
Synonyms
- Hubris
- Arrogance
- Haughtiness
- Conceit
- Overbearing pride
- Vainglory
Antonyms
- Humility
- Modesty
- Meekness
Noun
-
unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem (personified as one of the deadly sins)
