Word
arrogant
Phoneticsar·ro·gant, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹəɡənt/
UK/ˈæɹəɡənt/
Definition
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.
Examples
“He is so arrogant that he never listens to my advice.”
“The manager's arrogant attitude made it very difficult for the team to suggest any new ideas during the meeting.”
“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.”
Examples
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'.
Real-World Examples
“Many considered him an arrogant self-promoter and a cruel tyrant to the men under his command.” “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.” Etymology
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.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/arrogant