English Reference
Adjective

arrogant

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɛɹəɡənt/ UK /ˈæɹəɡənt/ ar·ro·gant

adj.behaving as if you are much more important or clever than other people. You use this to describe someone who does not show respect because they think they are better than everyone else.

adj.characterised by an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. Often implies a lack of respect for others and a refusal to consider alternative viewpoints.


SIMPLE

He is so arrogant that he never listens to my advice.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager's arrogant attitude made it very difficult for the team to suggest any new ideas during the meeting.

COMPLEX

Success can sometimes breed an arrogant disregard for the very risks that a more humble professional would carefully evaluate before proceeding with a major investment.

Usage

Often used to modify people, their behavior, or their tone of voice; frequently follows linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

Williamson is clearly capable of much more, too, but Andi is written mostly as an arrogant brat and there is nowhere really to take her.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

Many considered him an arrogant self-promoter and a cruel tyrant to the men under his command.

Smithsonian Magazine· 24 Jun 2026

From Middle English arrogaunt, from Old French arrogant, from Latin arrogāns, present active participle of arrogō.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin arrogāns
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated