Most of these words describe people who think too much of themselves, each in a different style: the arrogant person acts superior, the haughty one is cold and lofty, the condescending one talks down, the pompous one puffs up, the imperious one gives orders, and the supercilious one raises an eyebrow in scorn. Hubris is the kind of pride that leads to a fall.
Key idea
On the other side stand three words of praise: modest, unassuming and self-effacing people don’t boast, don’t show off and don’t push themselves forward.
The ten words
Common mistake
hubris is more than pride: it is pride that leads to a fall. supercilious comes from the Latin word for eyebrow (raised in scorn), not from "silly."
| word | the special flavor of pride |
|---|---|
| arrogant | acts more important than others |
| haughty | cold and lofty |
| condescending | talks down, as to a child |
| pompous | puffed up and showy |
| imperious | bossy, gives orders |
| supercilious | scornful, eyebrow raised |
| hubris | pride that leads to a fall |
Modest, unassuming and self-effacing all praise humility. Self-effacing is the strongest: such a person actively steps out of the spotlight.