overweening

American  

[oh-ver-wee-ning] / ˈoʊ vərˈwi nɪŋ /

adjective

1. presumptuously conceited, overconfident, or proud.

   a brash, insolent, overweening fellow.

2. exaggerated, excessive, or arrogant.

   overweening prejudice; overweening pride.

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overweening British  

/ ˌəʊvəˈwiːnɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a person) excessively arrogant or presumptuous

2. (of opinions, appetites, etc) excessive; immoderate

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Other Word Forms

• overweeningly adverb
• overweeningness noun

Etymology

Origin of overweening

1300–50; Middle English overwening ( e ) (gerund); overween, -ing ²

Example Sentences

The single-actor format and clever use of camerawork give visual expression to the novel’s themes of overweening egotism and existential dread.

From New York Times

I have long sided unreservedly with Truman on the issue — not so much on principle, I must admit, as because of MacArthur’s overweening, self-aggrandizing arrogance.

From Salon

It’s as if their mother’s overweening nature couldn’t be defeated; it could only be eclipsed.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the overweening arrogance in the face of all these blunders is baffling.

From Salon

Just as the hubris of headstrong shipbuilders who insisted that the Titanic was unsinkable led to an unparalleled maritime disaster, so Cameron’s overweening pride has come unnecessarily close to capsizing this project.

From Los Angeles Times