pride
C1 (Very High Frequency)Neutral; common across formal, informal, and literary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired; an awareness of one's own dignity or worth.
A group of lions. Can also refer to the best state of something or the most active period (e.g., 'pride of one's life').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This noun primarily signifies a positive feeling but can have a negative connotation of excessive self-esteem or arrogance, especially when modified by adjectives (e.g., 'sinful pride').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical differences. The term 'pride' in the context of LGBTQ+ events (e.g., Pride parade) is equally common and capitalized in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly stronger historical association with class or social standing in British English. In American English, more frequently linked to individual or community achievement.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to feel/take pride in somethingto be the pride of someone/somethingto do something with prideVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pride comes before a fall”
- “Pride of place”
- “Swallow one's pride”
- “Pocket one's pride”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to company loyalty, brand reputation, or employee satisfaction (e.g., 'We take pride in our customer service').
Academic
Used in discussions of psychology, ethics, sociology, and literature, often analyzing its positive vs. negative aspects.
Everyday
Commonly used to express personal or familial achievement and satisfaction (e.g., 'I felt such pride watching her graduate').
Technical
In zoology, specifically denotes a social group of lions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She prides herself on her meticulous attention to detail.
- He prides himself on never having missed a day's work.
American English
- They pride themselves on offering the best customer service in the state.
- I pride myself on being a good listener.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) He walked pridefully across the stage. (Note: 'proudly' is standard).
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) She smiled pridefully at her son's accomplishment.
adjective
British English
- The pride event in London attracted millions of participants.
- It was a pride moment for the entire community.
American English
- She gave a pride-filled speech at the awards ceremony.
- The city's pride parade is scheduled for June.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He felt great pride when he finished the puzzle.
- She has pride in her new bicycle.
- My parents always take pride in keeping a tidy garden.
- His greatest pride is his collection of vintage stamps.
- Swallowing his pride, he finally apologised for his mistake.
- The team's victory was a source of immense national pride.
- Her pride prevented her from accepting help, even when she desperately needed it.
- The novel explores the tragic flaw of hubris, where pride leads to the protagonist's downfall.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a lion (in a PRIDE of lions) standing tall and majestic, showing great self-respect and satisfaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIDE IS UP / A HIGH POSITION (e.g., 'He was puffed up with pride', 'She looked down on them with pride').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гордость', which can mean both 'pride' and 'arrogance'. Context is key. The Russian word can also be a term of endearment ('гордость моя'), a usage less direct in English.
- The phrase 'take pride in' is often better translated as an active verb like 'гордиться' rather than a direct noun translation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'pride' as a verb without the reflexive 'oneself' (Incorrect: 'He prides on his work.' Correct: 'He prides himself on his work.').
- Confusing 'pride' (group of lions) with 'pack' (wolves) or 'herd' (cows).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'pride' used as a collective noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is context-dependent. It is positive when meaning 'legitimate satisfaction' (e.g., pride in one's work) but negative when meaning 'excessive arrogance' (e.g., his pride led to his isolation).
Yes, but only reflexively: 'to pride oneself on something'. You cannot say 'I pride my car'; you must say 'I pride myself on my car' or 'I am proud of my car'.
'Pride' is primarily a noun (and a verb in the reflexive form). 'Proud' is an adjective. You feel pride (noun) and you are proud (adjective) of something.
It originates from the idea of affirming one's identity and community with dignity and self-respect, countering societal shame and stigma. The name was popularised after the 1969 Stonewall uprising.
Collections
Part of a collection
Nuanced Emotions
C2 · 48 words · Precise vocabulary for complex emotional states.