hubris

[hyoo-bris, hoo-]

noun

1. excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance.

hubris

/ ˈhjuːbrɪs /

noun

1. pride or arrogance

2. (in Greek tragedy) an excess of ambition, pride, etc, ultimately causing the transgressor's ruin

Other Word Forms

• hubristic adjective
• nonhubristic adjective
• unhubristic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubris¹

First recorded in 1880–85, hubris is from the Greek word hýbris insolence

Word History and Origins

Origin of hubris¹

C19: from Greek

Example Sentences

In a story built on hubris, violence and scientific ambition, it’s the smallest gestures of sustenance that feel the most human.

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“Spanning eight episodes each, both series explore the circumstances that gave rise to horrific crimes — from dynastic hubris, corruption and greed to societal prejudice and lazy law enforcement,” Ali wrote.

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Manifest destiny gets a mention, and the plot will conventionally pose Native humbleness against white hubris.

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Defying this power discrepancy is the source of both hubris and heroism in the protagonists of classical tragedy.

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Spanning eight episodes each, both series explore the circumstances that gave rise to horrific crimes — from dynastic hubris, corruption and greed to societal prejudice and lazy law enforcement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• audacity 
• chutzpah 
• cockiness 
• pretension 
• vanity