arrogant
AIR-uh-gunt
/ˈær.ə.ɡənt/
Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
Implies an offensive claim of superiority, entitlement, or unearned privilege.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'arrogare', formed from 'ad-' (to) and 'rogare' (to ask). In Roman legal terminology, it meant claiming a privilege for oneself before asking permission, which evolved into claiming undue credit or superior social standing.
Word relationships
- haughty: Haughty emphasizes aristocratic coldness and facial expressions of disdain, whereas arrogant focuses on demanding entitlement and offensive self-importance.
- overbearing: Overbearing focuses on crushing or smothering others with authority, while arrogant refers broader self-aggrandizing beliefs.
- humble: Humble reflects a modest view of one's importance without seeking domination.
- modest: Modest describes understating one's abilities or achievements.
Commonly confused with
- confident: Confidence is realistic self-assurance; arrogance is inflated self-importance accompanied by disrespect for others.
Word family
- arrogance (noun): The quality of being arrogant; offensive pride.
- arrogantly (adverb): In an arrogant manner.
Collocations
- arrogant behavior
- arrogant attitude
- arrogant dismissiveness
- arrogant assumption
Idioms & expressions
- on a high horse
- too big for one's boots
Example sentences
- "His arrogant dismissal of the engineering team's safety warnings led directly to the costly product recall." Corporate leadership critique
- "There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me, replied Elizabeth to Darcy's arrogant remark." Literary citation
Memory hook
An ARRO-gant person acts like an ARRO-w pointing endlessly up at themselves. Claiming rights and status you haven't earned.
When not to use
Do not use for quiet confidence or well-earned pride based on actual achievement.
Fun facts
- In ancient Roman legal procedure, 'arrogatio' was the legal adoption of an independent adult citizen, which required asking public assemblies for permission.
Related words
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