English Reference
noun · verb

pride

n. · v.
US /ˈpɹaɪd/ UK /pɹˈaɪd/ pride UK spelling prided, prides, priding

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction because you or people close to you have done something good.

    n.a sense of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements or the qualities of those with whom one is closely associated.

    Simple

    She felt a great sense of pride when she finally finished her first marathon.

    In context

    The artisan took immense pride in the structural integrity of his furniture, refusing to use inferior materials even to save on costs.

    Pitfall
    He has a lot of pride for his work. He takes pride in his work.

    Use the preposition 'in' with the verb 'take pride', or 'of' when pride is the object of 'source'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a feeling that you are better or more important than other people.

    n.an excessive or unjustified sense of self-importance; haughtiness or arrogance.

    Simple

    His pride would not let him admit that he had made a mistake.

    In context

    The downfall of the protagonist was rooted in his blind pride, which prevented him from seeking counsel when his business began to fail.

    modestyhumbleness
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a movement and events that celebrate LGBTQ+ people and their rights.

    n.a movement and series of events, often including parades, that promote the self-affirmation, dignity, and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals.

    Simple

    Thousands of people gathered in the city centre to celebrate Pride month.

    In context

    The city's annual Pride parade has evolved from a small protest into a massive cultural festival supported by local businesses and government.

    LGBTQ+ rights
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    n.a group of lions that live together.

    n.the specific collective noun for a social group of lions.

    Simple

    We watched a pride of lions resting under the shade of a large tree.

    In context

    The documentary followed a single pride of lions across the Serengeti, documenting the complex social hierarchy between the dominant males and the hunters.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to feel proud of something you do or a quality you have.

    v.to take credit for or derive satisfaction from a particular quality or action; used reflexively.

    Simple

    The hotel prides itself on providing excellent service to every guest.

    In context

    The university prides itself on its research facilities, which attract top-tier scientists from across the globe every year.

    Usage

    Always used reflexively with 'on' (e.g., 'pride oneself on').

Usage pride of place

The researchers measured participants' interest in buying the products, their product choices and how much pride they expected to feel from buying vegan cosmetics.

Phys.org· 20 Aug 2026

Of course, I have more bookshelves now (not enough!), but this one has pride of place next to my desk.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated