# proud

/ˈpɹaʊd/ (US) · /pɹˈaʊd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proud
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. feeling satisfied with success

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling very pleased and satisfied because you or someone you know has done something good.

For teachers: feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions, or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.

- Her parents were so proud of her when she graduated from university.
- The research team felt justly proud of their contribution to the field, having spent years developing the new vaccine.

Usage: Typically followed by the preposition 'of' or a to-infinitive.

### 2. having self-respect

adjective · CEFR B2

having respect for yourself and not wanting to lose the respect of others.

For teachers: possessing a justifiable sense of one's own dignity or worth.

- He was too proud to ask his friends for money even when he was broke.
- Despite the company's collapse, the former CEO remained a proud man who refused to blame his subordinates for the failure.

Teaching tip: In this sense, 'proud' often carries a nuance of stubbornness or a refusal to accept help.

### 3. arrogant

adjective · CEFR B2

thinking that you are better or more important than other people.

For teachers: having or showing an excessively high opinion of oneself; arrogant or haughty.

- The proud king refused to listen to the advice of his servants.
- His proud attitude alienated his colleagues, who found his constant boasting about his lineage tiresome.

Teaching tip: This is a negative sense of the word; context usually clarifies if the pride is earned or merely arrogant.

### 4. impressive or majestic

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

looking impressive, grand, or important.

For teachers: imposing or majestic in appearance.

- The proud old ship sailed into the harbour for the last time.
- The castle stood as a proud reminder of the region's medieval power and architectural sophistication.

Teaching tip: Commonly used to describe buildings, ships, or animals like lions and horses.

### 5. raised or sticking out

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

sticking out slightly above the surrounding surface.

For teachers: projecting or protruding from a surface; not flush.

- Make sure the nail head doesn't stand proud of the wood.
- The embossed lettering stood proud of the leather cover, giving the book a tactile, premium feel.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'stand proud of'.

Teaching tip: This is common in carpentry, engineering, and DIY contexts.

## Examples

- She is very proud of her high test scores.
- The parents felt incredibly proud as they watched their daughter walk across the stage to receive her diploma.
- While he was rightfully proud of his professional accomplishments, he remained humble enough to acknowledge the mentors who had supported his early career.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.