hubris
HYOO-bris
/ˈhjuː.brɪs/
Excessive pride or dangerous self-confidence, often leading to a fatal downfall.
Implies extreme, tragic overconfidence that defies laws, gods, or common sense, inviting retribution (nemesis).
The story behind the word. In ancient Greek law, 'hybris' was a serious crime involving intentional violence or humiliation to insult someone's dignity. In Greek tragedy, hubris was the fatal flaw where a mortal believed they were equal to the gods, triggering divine retribution from Nemesis.
Word relationships
- overconfidence: Overconfidence is a general state of overestimating ability; hubris carries tragic weight and moral defiance.
- presumption: Presumption is overstepping social boundaries; hubris is monumental, ruinous self-worship.
- humility: Modesty and awareness of human limitations.
Commonly confused with
- hybrid: A hybrid is a combination of two elements; hubris is catastrophic pride.
Word family
- hubristic (adjective): Excessively proud or dangerously overconfident.
- hubristically (adverb): In a manner driven by hubris.
Collocations
- blind hubris
- sheer hubris
- tragic hubris
- victim of hubris
Idioms & expressions
- pride comes before a fall
- flying too close to the sun
Example sentences
- "The chief executive's hubris blinded him to major market shifts, ultimately resulting in the firm's historic collapse." Corporate case study
- "It was pure hubris that convinced the military commanders that their invincible armada could survive the storm." Historical analysis
Memory hook
HUBRIS brings HUGE-RISk of a terrible fall. Pride before the fatal fall.
When not to use
Do not use for everyday petty vanity; hubris requires monumental scale and tragic consequences.
Fun facts
- In ancient Athens, 'hybris' was an indictable criminal offense that could be punished by death or exile.
Related words
Explore more words
nemesis, recklessness, Headstrong, reckless, audacious, imprudent
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