Cool MateArrogance vs Pride
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Arrogance
Top 3,000 (common)
Pride
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Most common: Pride
| Arrogance | Pride | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈær.ə.ɡəns//🇺🇸 //ˈer.ə.ɡəns// | 🇬🇧 /["/praɪd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/praɪd/"]/ |
| Meaning | When someone thinks they are better than others. | A feeling of happiness about yourself or someone you care about. |
| Example | Her arrogance made it difficult for her to keep friends. | She felt a deep sense of pride after completing the marathon. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | express arrogance, show arrogance, arrogance toward others | fierce, great, justifiable, feel, have, swell with, with pride, pride in, a cause for pride, a matter for pride, a source of pride, great, family, masculine, have, hurt, wound, out of pride, through pride, a matter of pride, a sense of pride, with your pride intact |
| Antonyms | humility, modesty, meekness | shame, humility |
| Common mistakes | 'Arrogance' confused with 'confidence'., 'Arrogance' used in positive contexts., 'Arrogance' as a verb instead of a noun. | Confused with 'prideful' vs 'proud', Using as a verb incorrectly, e.g., 'I pride to be a teacher', Mixing up 'pride' with 'arrogance' |
| Usage notes | Use 'arrogance' to describe a negative attitude of superiority. It's not suitable in formal contexts when discussing positive traits. | Used when someone feels good about their achievements or qualities. Avoid in context where humility is more appropriate; pride can be seen as negative in some cultures. |
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Frequently asked questions: Arrogance vs Pride
What's the difference between Arrogance and Pride?
Arrogance: When someone thinks they are better than others. Pride: A feeling of happiness about yourself or someone you care about.
Which is more common: Arrogance and Pride?
Pride is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Arrogance: Her arrogance made it difficult for her to keep friends. Pride: She felt a deep sense of pride after completing the marathon.
Can I use Arrogance and Pride interchangeably?
Not always. Arrogance and Pride are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.