What does hubris mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈhjuːbrɪs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A noun that refers to excessive pride or arrogance, often accompanied by a lack of humility or modesty.

Examples

• The politician’s hubris led to his downfall.
• Her hubris made her underestimate her opponents.

Synonyms

• Arrogance
• Pride
• Egotism

Antonyms

• Humility
• Modesty

Additional Information

Hubris is a term that originates from ancient Greek tragedy, where it referred to the excessive pride of heroes that led to their downfall. Today, it is commonly used to describe individuals who exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance or superiority.

In psychology, hubris is often associated with narcissistic personality disorder, where individuals have an unrealistic sense of their own abilities and achievements.

Hubris can also be seen in literature, where characters who exhibit excessive pride often meet a tragic end.

Etimology

The word “hubris” comes from ancient Greek ὕβρις (hybris), meaning “presumption” or “insolence”. It was first used in Greek tragedy to describe the excessive pride of heroes.

Usage Notes

When using the word “hubris”, it’s essential to consider the context and connotation. Hubris can be used to describe both positive and negative traits, depending on the situation.

Cultural References

Hubris has appeared in popular culture, such as in literature, film, and television. Examples include Greek tragedies like Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Shakespeare’s Macbeth, where hubris is a major theme.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Hubris is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “pride comes before a fall”, which warns against the dangers of excessive pride.

Related Words or Phrases

Words related to hubris include arrogance, pride, and ego. Phrases like “too big for one’s britches” and “full of oneself” also convey similar meanings.

Collocations

Common collocations with hubris include “excessive hubris”, “hubris and pride”, and “hubris leads to downfall”.

Frequency of Use

Hubris is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but its usage has increased in recent years, particularly in academic and literary contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Hubres
• Hibrus
• Hubers