Word
arrogant
Having an overly high opinion of your own importance or abilities and showing it in a rude, superior way.
Meanings
Showing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance and treating others as inferior.
Definition
Someone who is arrogant believes they are better or more important than other people and often behaves in a way that shows it. This attitude can appear in speech, body language, or the way a person dismisses others. It is usually viewed negatively because it suggests a lack of respect and humility.
Examples
- I stopped debating with him because his arrogant tone made it clear he wasn’t listening.
- You sounded arrogant in the interview when you brushed off every question as “obvious.”
- She came across as arrogant when she interrupted the discussion to correct minor details.
- They weren’t trying to be arrogant, but their constant name-dropping created that impression.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "arrogant" with "confident"—"confident" is usually positive, while "arrogant" implies disrespect and superiority.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.