proud

adjective \ ˈprau̇d \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: proud in a Sentence

Definition of proud

1 : feeling or showing pride: such as

a : having or displaying excessive self-esteem

b : much pleased : exultant

c : having proper self-respect

2 a : marked by stateliness : magnificent

b : giving reason for pride : glorious

the proudest moment in her life

3 : vigorous, spirited

a proud steed

4 chiefly British : raised above a surrounding area

a proud design on a stamp

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proudly

adverb

See proud defined for English-language learners

See proud defined for kids

Examples of proud in a Sentence

They are the proud parents of a hero.
I was proud that I never gave in.
She's the proud owner of a new car.
Her proudest accomplishment was to finish school.
He has a proud manner.
a proud and opinionated person
She's too proud to accept their charity.

Recent Examples of proud from the Web

The guys actually give the masculine point of view to a lyric that simply represents a proud and powerful woman who can go on without a man.

— billboard staff, Billboard, "Viva Friday: Best Music Picks of the Week by Wisin, Karol G & More," 13 July 2018
Croatia, with four million people and 27 removed from independence, has never made it this far, but has a proud and passionate homeland waiting to explode into a celebration of monumental scope.

— martin rogers, USA TODAY, "How the World Cup final between France and Croatia will be won," 13 July 2018
The only message to you can give him in Helsinki on July 16 is that America is a proud and strong country which can and will stop him.

— bill browder, Time, "I've Been Putin's Number One Foreign Enemy for a Decade. Here's What Trump Should Know About Handling Him," 12 July 2018
But with positive, strong messages like Swanepoel’s, all moms should feel proud and confident of their shape.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "This Victoria’s Secret Model’s Bikini Photos Are Proof You Don’t Have to Hide Your Postpartum Belly," 11 July 2018
If Dean is too proud and stubborn to sell, maybe his family can tell him to get out.

— nick canepa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "King James’ arrival in L.A. puts Bolts further down line," 9 July 2018
Whether attendees are proud of the transplanted patriotism or find the display semi-ironic, everyone gets to be in on the fun.

— jordan cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "How some Sacramentans will celebrate Independence Day in a town 4,000 miles from U.S.," 1 July 2018
But the proudest and most obvious line was the unclimbed 2,500-foot north face.

— matt skenazy, Outside Online, "The Last Days of Marc-André Leclerc," 19 June 2018
Yale Law School may be proud to add another Supreme Court Justice to its long list of alumni, but many others do not share the sentiment.

— natasha bach, Fortune, "'People Will Die if He Is Confirmed.' Students and Alumni Press Yale to Condemn Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh," 11 July 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of proud

Middle English, from Old English prūd, probably from Old French prod, prud, prou advantageous, just, wise, bold, from Late Latin prode advantage, advantageous, back-formation from Latin prodesse to be advantageous, from pro-, prod- for, in favor + esse to be — more at pro-, is

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

proud Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of proud

proud, arrogant, haughty, lordly, insolent, overbearing, supercilious, disdainful mean showing scorn for inferiors. proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

- too proud to take charity

arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

- a conceited and arrogant executive

haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

- a haughty aristocrat

lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

- a lordly condescension

insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

- ignored by an insolent waiter

overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

- an overbearing supervisor

supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

- an aloof and supercilious manner

disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

- disdainful of their social inferiors

PROUD Defined for English Language Learners

proud

adjective

Definition of proud for English Language Learners

: very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to, etc. : feeling pride
: causing someone to feel very happy and pleased : causing a feeling of pride
: having or showing the attitude of people who think that they are better or more important than others : having or showing too much pride