French Conversation · Level 80
60 words
French word
orgueil
Pronunciation
IPA/ɔʁgœj/
Meaning
- masculine nounpride
Example
Son orgueil l'empêche d'admettre ses erreurs.
His pride prevents him from admitting his mistakes.
More examples
Il a refusé l'aide par orgueil.
He refused the help out of pride.
Core concept
A swollen sense of superiority turns self-respect into contempt for other people.
Common phrases
orgueil mal placé
misplaced pride
par orgueil
out of pride
Similar words
arrogance: A superior attitude that treats others with disdain.
vanité: A desire to impress by showing off appearance or talent.
fierté: A positive sense of satisfaction in one's actions or qualities.
prétention: An attitude of presenting oneself as more capable or impressive than reality.
Definition in French
Sentiment d'estime de soi porté à l'excès, conduisant à se croire supérieur et à mépriser autrui.
Word origin
Orgueil is inherited from Old French and has close cognates in Italian orgoglio and Spanish orgullo, while its earlier source remains uncertain.
Usage tips
- French generally uses fierté for legitimate pride, whereas orgueil usually marks excessive pride or a personal failing.
Other meanings
- conceitnoun
- haughtinessnoun
Opposites
- humilitéhumilitynoun
Related words
- orgueilleuxconceitedadjective
- orgueilleusementconceitedlyadverb