What does pride mean?
Pride denotes a complex mixture of self-esteem, satisfaction, and identity. People may feel pride in personal accomplishments, abilities, appearance, or family relationships, and in the achievements of a community, nation, or other group they identify with. This positive sense often involves recognition of something genuinely valued, but pride can also imply excessive self-importance, superiority, or concern with status. The word therefore occupies an interesting position between confidence and arrogance: healthy pride is a form of self-respect, while excessive pride becomes a fault and may lead to downfall, as the familiar proverb “pride comes before a fall” suggests. In everyday use, “take pride in” and “feel pride in” are especially common constructions. The word is used in both British and American English and is broadly formal in register, though its figurative and evaluative meanings are familiar in ordinary speech.
nounPride is a feeling of deep satisfaction or pleasure arising from something one values, especially one's own achievements, qualities, or the accomplishments of a group to which one belongs. It can also refer to excessive self-regard or a sense of superiority over others.
- A feeling of satisfaction arising from one's own achievements, qualities, possessions, or associations.
- A sense of superiority or excessive concern with one's own importance.
- The quality or state of being proud, as of a person, achievement, or group.
- A source of pride or distinction, especially a person or thing regarded with pride.
"She took pride in the care she had put into restoring the old library."
"He felt pride when his team completed the difficult rescue."
"Her pride in her hometown was evident from the way she spoke about it."
The plural is uncommon in modern standard usage but is used in literary or specialized contexts, especially for different objects of pride.
"The exhibition celebrated the region's many cultural prides."
The proverb “pride comes before a fall” captures the traditional warning that excessive confidence can lead to downfall.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pride
The word comes through Old French pride from Latin praeda, meaning “spoil” or “prey,” in the sense of something seized or possessed. In medieval usage, the idea developed through the notion of a person's noble birth or distinguished lineage, and later broadened to include the pleasure or confidence arising from that distinction. The English word is related to other words sharing Latin roots involving prehendere, such as predator, while proud also reflects this family of meanings through its Germanic and Romance development.
Related word forms
How pride is actually used
In its positive sense, pride is generally formal but widely accepted and often appears with “in,” “take,” “feel,” or “express.” In the sense of excessive self-regard, it is usually negative and can suggest arrogance or vanity. The phrase “pride comes before a fall” is proverbial and somewhat formal.
Easily confused with pride
Pride is a feeling of confidence or satisfaction, whereas prejudice is an unfair or unsupported attitude toward someone or something.