Weekly Word is a weekly post intended to illustrate the meaning and use of a single word. The chosen word will begin with a different letter of the alphabet each week, as Louise (my daughter) and I work our way through the alphabet.
Louise posts on her website:
This week’s word begins with the letter H:
Meaning:
Excessive pride or foolish amount of self-confidence in one’s own abilities; a way of talking or behaving that is too proud and offends people.
Pronunciation:
hyoo-bris (hoo-bris)
Audio Link:
Part of Speech:
Noun
Synonyms:
Arrogance, conceit, conceitedness, haughtiness, pride, nerve, vanity, self-importance, self-conceit, ostentation, pomposity, insolence, superciliousness, hauteur, big-headedness, boastfulness, pretension, pretentiousness, audacity, chuzpah, disdain.
Antonyms:
Modesty, unselfishness, bashfulness, shyness, humility, self doubt, self loathing, altruism
Related Forms:
Hubristic (adjective)
Word Origin:
First recorded in 1880–85, HUBRIS is from the Greek word hýbris, meaning insolence.
(In Greek tragedy HUBRIS means excessive pride towards, or in defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis/punishment.)
Use the Word in a Sentence:
1. From his seat in the clouds, Apollo focused on the young Trojan prince as he drew back his bow. Not renowned for his archery skills, Paris would not feel confident of his arrow finding its mark. But Apollo would ensure that the arrow flew straight to Achilles’ heel – the only vulnerable spot on the seemingly invincible Greek’s body. Achilles had greatly angered the gods with his pride and defiance and would pay dearly for his hubris.
2. The conductor put down his baton and nodded approvingly at the end of the orchestra’s rehearsal. The new violinist was not only extremely talented, she lacked the hubristic behaviour common to many musicians he’d employed in the past.
3. After putting up with her friend’s haughty and conceited ways since their schooldays, Erin suddenly flipped. ‘I’ve had it with you, Gloria. I’m sick of defending your pomposity to everyone. And believe me, once I stop lying through my teeth and telling them all how nice you are beneath that arrogant veneer, you won’t have a friend left in this town.’ She stood to leave. ‘And you know what…? From now on, you won’t even have me. Find another stooge to put up with your ridiculous hubris.’
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If you would like to join us in doing this weekly post, both Louise and I would be happy to see you. You can pick of your own word and illustrate its use in any way you choose(even a short story) or use your chosen word to follow a similar pattern to our posts.
Millie Thom 
I’m definitely not a fan of that type of behavior, Millie. This was a new word to me, so thank you.
Nor am I, Jill, but there are plenty of arrogant and proud people around: to be avoided at all cost. 😀 Thank you for reading and I’m glad you’ve learned a new word.
This is a word I saw and heard all my life, but until I left school I assumed “hubris” means “humble”. Oh dear.
I can understand why you did. Hubris sounds as though it could mean humble. I confess to pronouncing it wrongly for some years. Having never actually heard the word spoken, I thought it was a silent ‘s’ at the end. So I can join you in saying, ‘Oh dear’! 😀
This is the first time I have come across this word. Thanks for an update, Millie.
I’m always glad when the word I pick is new to at least a few people. It makes the post worth doing. Thank you, Arv. 😀
I have never heard the word. I hope I won’t have to use it, but I won’t have to look it up – thank you Millie 🙂
No, it isn’t a word I’d like to apply to anyone I know, either, Inese. But I do find the origins of the word interesting. 😀
Yes, it was interesting to learn 🙂
love it!!
Thank you, Cybele.
I immediately thought of Donald Trump.
Well, I certainly don’t need to ask why, Mike. You’re spot on with that one.