proud

[ proud ]

adjective

, proud·er, proud·est.

1. feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable or creditable to oneself (often followed by of, an infinitive, or a clause).

   Synonyms: self-satisfied, contented

   Antonyms: dissatisfied

2. having, proceeding from, or showing a high opinion of one's own dignity, importance, or superiority.

   Synonyms: presumptuous, imperious, disdainful, self-important, overbearing

   Antonyms: humble

3. having or showing self-respect or self-esteem.
4. highly gratifying to the feelings or self-esteem:

   It was a proud day for him when his son entered college.

5. highly honorable or creditable:

   a proud achievement.

   Antonyms: dishonorable

6. stately, majestic, or magnificent:

   proud cities.

   Synonyms: splendid, imposing, noble

   Antonyms: lowly, impoverished, mean

7. of lofty dignity or distinction:

   a proud name; proud nobles.

8. Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. pleased; happy:

   I'm proud to meet you.

9. full of vigor and spirit:

   a proud young stallion.

10. Obsolete. brave.

proud

/ praʊd /

adjective

1. foll byof, an infinitive, or a clause pleased or satisfied, as with oneself, one's possessions, achievements, etc, or with another person, his or her achievements, qualities, etc
2. feeling honoured or gratified by or as if by some distinction
3. having an inordinately high opinion of oneself; arrogant or haughty
4. characterized by or proceeding from a sense of pride

   a proud moment

5. having a proper sense of self-respect
6. stately or distinguished
7. bold or fearless
8. (of a surface, edge, etc) projecting or protruding from the surrounding area
9. (of animals) restive or excited, esp sexually; on heat

adverb

1. do someone proud
   1. to entertain someone on a grand scale

      they did us proud at the hotel

   2. to honour or distinguish a person

      his honesty did him proud

Derived Forms

• ˈproudly, adverb
• ˈproudness, noun

Other Words From

• proudly adverb
• proudness noun
• un·proud adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of proud¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English prūd, prūt “arrogant” (cognate with Old Norse prūthr “stately, fine”), apparently from Vulgar Latin; compare Old French prud, prod “gallant, virtuous,” Late Latin prōde “profitable, useful,” from prōde est, back formation of Latin prōdest “it is beneficial, useful,” from Latin prōdesse “to be useful, profit”

Word History and Origins

Origin of proud¹

Late Old English prūd, from Old French prud, prod brave, from Late Latin prōde useful, from Latin prōdesse to be of value, from prōd-, variant of prō- for + esse to be

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. do one proud,
   1. to be a source of pride or credit to a person:

      His conduct in such a difficult situation did him proud.

   2. to treat someone or oneself generously or lavishly:

      You really did us proud with this supper.

More idioms and phrases containing proud

In addition to the idiom beginning with proud , also see do someone proud .

Synonym Study

Proud, arrogant, haughty imply a consciousness of, or a belief in, one's superiority in some respect. Proud implies sensitiveness, lofty self-respect, or jealous preservation of one's dignity, station, and the like. It may refer to an affectionate admiration of or a justifiable pride concerning someone else: proud of his son. Arrogant applies to insolent or overbearing behavior, arising from an exaggerated belief in one's importance: arrogant rudeness. Haughty implies lofty reserve and confident, often disdainful assumption of superiority over others: the haughty manner of the butler in the play.

Example Sentences

Years later, political opponents occasionally taunted Mr. Prescott by suggesting that he fetch them a gin and tonic, but he remained proud of his origins.

From New York Times

And she was really loving and really pleased with what she’d seen and very proud of it.

From Los Angeles Times

But I felt very proud that day just because this is a school I went to and to be in this situation full circle was a really wonderful moment.

From Los Angeles Times

“To be a part of this team, I just want to make him proud,” Herbert said, “to do everything that I can do to keep this thing going.”

From Los Angeles Times

Idaho State may not have much name recognition, but the Bengals have a proud history against UCLA.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appreciative
• glad
• great
• honored
• illustrious
• noble
• satisfied