proud

[proud]

adjective

prouder, proudest 

1. feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable or creditable to oneself (often followed by of, an infinitive, or a clause).

   Synonyms: self-satisfied, contented
   Antonyms: dissatisfied

2. having, proceeding from, or showing a high opinion of one's own dignity, importance, or superiority.

   Synonyms: presumptuous, imperious, disdainful, self-important, overbearing
   Antonyms: humble

3. having or showing self-respect or self-esteem.

4. highly gratifying to the feelings or self-esteem.

   It was a proud day for him when his son entered college.

5. highly honorable or creditable.

   a proud achievement.

   Antonyms: dishonorable

6. stately, majestic, or magnificent.

   proud cities.

   Synonyms: splendid, imposing, noble
   Antonyms: lowly, impoverished, mean

7. of lofty dignity or distinction.

   a proud name; proud nobles.

8. Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.,  pleased; happy.

   I'm proud to meet you.

9. full of vigor and spirit.

   a proud young stallion.

10. Obsolete.,  brave.

proud

/ praʊd /

adjective

1. pleased or satisfied, as with oneself, one's possessions, achievements, etc, or with another person, his or her achievements, qualities, etc

2. feeling honoured or gratified by or as if by some distinction

3. having an inordinately high opinion of oneself; arrogant or haughty

4. characterized by or proceeding from a sense of pride

   a proud moment

5. having a proper sense of self-respect

6. stately or distinguished

7. bold or fearless

8. (of a surface, edge, etc) projecting or protruding from the surrounding area

9. (of animals) restive or excited, esp sexually; on heat

adverb

1. 1. to entertain someone on a grand scale

      they did us proud at the hotel

   2. to honour or distinguish a person

      his honesty did him proud

Other Word Forms

• proudly adverb
• proudness noun
• unproud adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of proud¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English prūd, prūt “arrogant” (cognate with Old Norse prūthr “stately, fine”), apparently from Vulgar Latin; compare Old French prud, prod “gallant, virtuous,” Late Latin prōde “profitable, useful,” from prōde est, back formation of Latin prōdest “it is beneficial, useful,” from Latin prōdesse “to be useful, profit”

Word History and Origins

Origin of proud¹

Late Old English prūd, from Old French prud, prod brave, from Late Latin prōde useful, from Latin prōdesse to be of value, from prōd-, variant of prō- for + esse to be

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. do one proud,

   1. to be a source of pride or credit to a person.

      His conduct in such a difficult situation did him proud.

   2. to treat someone or oneself generously or lavishly.

      You really did us proud with this supper.

More idioms and phrases containing proud

• do someone proud

Synonym Study

Proud, arrogant, haughty imply a consciousness of, or a belief in, one's superiority in some respect. Proud implies sensitiveness, lofty self-respect, or jealous preservation of one's dignity, station, and the like. It may refer to an affectionate admiration of or a justifiable pride concerning someone else: proud of his son. Arrogant applies to insolent or overbearing behavior, arising from an exaggerated belief in one's importance: arrogant rudeness. Haughty implies lofty reserve and confident, often disdainful assumption of superiority over others: the haughty manner of the butler in the play.

Example Sentences

A graduate of Manchester School of Art and Apollo Painting School Fallon said it was "a very proud moment".

From BBC

I am so proud to have worked alongside the trade union movement, who have given me everything, to deliver that.

From BBC

The 33-year-old sat down with Kelly Somers to talk about winning Euro 2025, playing the entire tournament with a fractured leg, plus being rejected by England as a youngster and her proud Portuguese heritage.

From BBC

The NBA’s quest to “create an All-Star experience that we can be proud of and our players can be proud of” continues in earnest and with a new partner.

From Los Angeles Times

"I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees," said Levy.

From BBC

Related Words

• appreciative 
• glad 
• great 
• honored 
• illustrious 
• noble 
• satisfied