Pride Meaning
Pride Definition & Usage
A sense of self-respect and personal worth, often based on achievements, qualities, or status.
Examples
- "She felt an immense pride in her academic accomplishments."
- "The team celebrated their victory with pride, knowing they had worked hard for it."
- "His pride in his heritage was evident in everything he did."
- "She took great pride in her work as an artist, always striving for perfection."
- "His pride made him reluctant to ask for help, even when he needed it."
A feeling of superiority or excessive self-importance that may lead to disdain for others.
Examples
- "His pride made him think he was better than everyone else."
- "Her pride prevented her from admitting her mistakes."
- "He acted with pride, belittling others to elevate himself."
- "The leader's pride led him to make decisions that alienated his followers."
- "She refused to ask for help, believing that it would undermine her pride."
A group or community's shared sense of identity and collective self-worth, often celebrated in public events.
Examples
- "The Pride Parade celebrated diversity and inclusivity."
- "Many cities host Pride festivals to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights."
- "Pride in one's culture can be a powerful force for unity and activism."
- "She joined the Pride march to stand in solidarity with marginalized communities."
- "The LGBTQ+ Pride movement has made significant strides in advocating for equality."
Cultural Context
The word 'pride' has its origins in the Old French term 'pride', which itself comes from the Latin word 'superbia'. Over time, the word developed both positive and negative connotations, with its modern usage often reflecting either personal dignity or excessive arrogance. One of the most prominent uses of the word today is in reference to the LGBTQ+ Pride movement, which celebrates the rights, visibility, and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Weight of Pride
Story
The Weight of Pride
In the small town of Larkhill, there lived a young artist named Clara who took great pride in her work. She spent hours each day perfecting her craft, convinced that every stroke of paint had to be flawless. Her studio, a little room on the second floor of an old building, was filled with vibrant canvases, each one more beautiful than the last. Yet despite the praise she received from others, Clara could never bring herself to submit her art to galleries or accept offers from collectors. Her pride, she believed, made her art too personal to share with the world. One evening, Clara attended a local art show. Among the artists, there was a young painter named Ben, who seemed more open to feedback and eager to grow. His paintings weren’t technically perfect, but they had a certain warmth, a raw honesty that Clara admired. They spent the evening talking about their work, and Clara was struck by how freely Ben spoke of his own pride—he took pride not just in the finished paintings but in the process, in the mistakes, and in the lessons learned along the way. As they spoke, Clara realized that her pride had been holding her back. She had built a wall around her art, refusing to show it to anyone, convinced that it wasn’t good enough. But now, looking at Ben’s work, she understood that true pride wasn’t about perfection. It was about sharing what you had created, knowing that it came from the heart. The next day, Clara decided to step out of her comfort zone. She submitted her best painting to a local gallery. The process felt liberating, and though she was still nervous about the reception of her work, she knew she had made the right choice. Her pride, which once held her back, had finally propelled her forward. As the months passed, Clara’s art became more widely recognized, and she found herself embracing the pride of being an artist, not just in the quiet solitude of her studio but in the connection her art created with others. Her pride no longer kept her isolated; it made her stronger, more confident, and more willing to share her creations with the world.
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