Cool MateArrogance vs Smugness
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Arrogance
Top 3,000 (common)
Smugness
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Arrogance
| Arrogance | Smugness | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈær.ə.ɡəns//🇺🇸 //ˈer.ə.ɡəns// | 🇬🇧 //smʌɡ.nəs//🇺🇸 //smʌɡ.nəs// |
| Meaning | When someone thinks they are better than others. | A feeling of being better than others. |
| Example | Her arrogance made it difficult for her to keep friends. | Her smugness was evident after she received the award. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | express arrogance, show arrogance, arrogance toward others | display smugness, feel smugness, exude smugness, smugness about achievements, smugness in victory |
| Antonyms | humility, modesty, meekness | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Arrogance' confused with 'confidence'., 'Arrogance' used in positive contexts., 'Arrogance' as a verb instead of a noun. | Confused with 'humility' - mixing up self-satisfaction and modesty., Using the word in overly formal situations - it feels more casual., Assuming the noun can describe a positive trait - it's generally negative. |
| Usage notes | Use 'arrogance' to describe a negative attitude of superiority. It's not suitable in formal contexts when discussing positive traits. | Often used to describe attitudes or behaviors perceived as arrogant. Not generally used in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Arrogance vs Smugness
What's the difference between Arrogance and Smugness?
Arrogance: When someone thinks they are better than others. Smugness: A feeling of being better than others.
Which is more common: Arrogance and Smugness?
Arrogance 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. Smugness: Her smugness was evident after she received the award.
Can I use Arrogance and Smugness interchangeably?
Not always. Arrogance and Smugness 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.