adj.
Pronunciation: ' prau ̇ d
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pr ū d, 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
Date: before 12th century
1 : feeling or showing pride: 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 proud est moment in her life>
3 : VIGOROUS , SPIRITED <a proud steed>
4 chiefly British : raised above a surrounding area <a proud design on a stamp>
– proud · ly adverb
synonyms 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>.