pride

noun

\ ˈprīd

Definition of pride

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : the quality or state of being proud: such as

a : inordinate self-esteem : conceit

b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect

c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship parental pride

2 : proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : disdain

3a : ostentatious display

b : highest pitch : prime

4 : a source of pride : the best in a group or class

5 : a company of lions

6 : a showy or impressive group a pride of dancers

pride

verb

prided; priding

Definition of pride (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to indulge (oneself) in pride —now usually used in the phrase pride oneself on to describe taking pride in some ability, quality, etc. She was a girl who prided herself on her carefully blasé and supercilious attitude towards life.— P. G. Wodehouse

Pride

biographical name

\ ˈprīd

Definition of Pride (Entry 3 of 3)

Thomas died 1658 English Parliamentarian commander

Synonyms Vanity vs. Pride More Example Sentences Learn More about pride

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Vanity vs. Pride

People often turn to the dictionary in search of the minute and subtle differences between two similar words. The closely related duo of vanity and pride, which overlap significantly in some respects yet differ in others, offer one such example. Putting aside such uses as pride referring to “a company of lions” and vanity meaning “a dressing table,” each of these words may refer to a state of excessive self-esteem. However, pride may also signify a feeling of satisfaction or happiness (either in oneself or on behalf of others) based on something that is well done; vanity is unlikely to be used in this manner. For a well-worded explanation of this distinction, we might look to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in which the character Mary opines: “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

Examples of pride in a Sentence

Noun

Being able to work again gave him his pride back. Getting caught cheating stripped him of his pride. Pride would not allow her to give up. It's a matter of pride that he does the work all by himself. The novel is about a family consumed with pride and vanity. They needed help, but their pride wouldn't let them ask for it. I had to swallow my pride and admit I made a mistake. He showed a great pride in his family. These young people are the pride of their community.

Verb

he prides himself on the quality of his writing

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride will be flown over the Capitol’s East Wing in recognition of Pride Month. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "After 500 blessings were given at PrideFest Milwaukee last year, the Blessed at PrideFest booth was back," 10 June 2019 Slowly, gay pride became a household phrase from California to Croatia. — Jim Byers, latimes.com, "NYC is all about pride as it celebrates Stonewall's 50th anniversary," 9 June 2019 Described on its website as Michigan's largest pride celebration, the event is expected to draw 40,000 people celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. — Detroit Free Press Staff, Detroit Free Press, "2019 Motor City Pride: Dancing, celebrations, remembrance," 8 June 2019 The rainbow flag has been a popular symbol of gay rights since the late 1970s and has been used in various forms at gay pride events for years. — Washington Post, "Capitol flag flap in Wisconsin over gay pride rainbow," 8 June 2019 Housman Elementary School - As Housman Mustang teams explore SBISD core values, mentoring and service projects, spirit items will foster school connectedness, belonging and pride. — Houston Chronicle, "Spring Branch Education Foundation announces 2019 grants," 7 June 2019 The pride fled from Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves at over 7,500-plus square feet, and were spotted in the town of Phalaborwa near a mine, local officials said. — Scottie Andrew And Saeed Ahmed, CNN, "A pride of 14 lions might have escaped from a South African national park," 7 June 2019 While residual supporters of the Iraq war are few, previous interventions in, for example, Kosovo—opposed by Mr Corbyn—are regarded with pride within the party. — The Economist, "The Corbyn doctrine on foreign policy," 6 June 2019 The partnership is here just in time for pride month. — Glamour, "Jonathan Van Ness Is Essie's First Non-Female Brand Ambassador," 6 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The European Union, which has prided itself on cementing the peaceful order coaxed from the Allied victory in 1945, is challenged from within by vocal nationalist and populist minorities. — Alan Cowell, New York Times, "D-Day in Photos: Heroes of a More Certain Time," 6 June 2019 Altuve pulled up at second base, noticed Lucroy's lackadaisical nature, and sprinted for third base — unwise aggression for a team which prides itself upon such pressure-producing plays. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros held scoreless in loss to A's," 10 July 2018 The small island nation of Singapore, which prides itself on law and order, is feeling the pressure of more than 3,000 members of the press arriving for a historic summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. — Washington Post, "Singapore Postcard: Double trouble and media frenzy," 8 June 2018 New Hampshire is a state which prides itself on not having a state income or sales tax. — James Pindell, BostonGlobe.com, "Ivanka Trump and Steve Mnuchin head to N.H. to praise tax law," 17 Apr. 2018 Text and photos by John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer It’s owned by Hospitality Restaurants (Blue Point, Salmon Dave’s, Delmonico’s), which prides itself on doing diverse and unique options for Happy Hour. — cleveland.com, "Happy Hour: Cabin Club brings sophisticated but casual dining to a cozy cabin," 7 Mar. 2018 The reservations-only supper club -- which prided itself on never repeating a menu -- and walk-in-only brunch were singled out in best-of lists from Bon Appetit and Food & Wine magazines. — Michael Russell, OregonLive.com, "One of Portland's best, vanished brunch spots will be reborn this spring," 19 Feb. 2018 The brand prides itself on having taken 1.5 million body measurements from more than 10,000 women to create its unique fit finder. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "The Best New Swimwear of Summer 2019," 21 Mar. 2019 Denny's Denny's prides itself on being America's diner that's open — and serving breakfast — around the clock. — Taysha Murtaugh And Nicol Natale, Woman's Day, "15 Restaurants Open for Easter Brunch Near Me," 11 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pride.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.