arrogance

Also ar·ro·gan·cy

[ar-uh-guhns]

noun

1. offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.

   Synonyms: disdain, insolence, haughtiness
   Antonyms: diffidence, modesty, humility

Other Word Forms

• nonarrogance noun
• nonarrogancy noun
• superarrogance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrogance¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin arrogantia “presumption”; arrogant, -ance

Example Sentences

When he smiles, some hail him as a symbol of hope; others accuse him of arrogance.

From BBC

"Too many modern designs had been 'ego-driven' and the architectural arrogance was off the scale," he said.

From BBC

Lynching’s grotesque aim is only partly punishment, the arrogance of judgment not determined by a court of law against a claimed transgressor.

From Los Angeles Times

If 30 years from now my grandchildren look back and wonder what happened, I hope they understand this much: Our hubris and arrogance were indicative of our ignorance and stupidity.

From Salon

He said Larson was fired not for flagging concerns, but because of “misconduct, arrogance, communication style problems, and performance problems.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aloofness 
• chutzpah 
• disdain 
• ego 
• egotism 
• hubris 
• pretension 
• pride 
• smugness www.thesaurus.com
• vanity