cockiness
IPA:
Dictionary definition of cockiness
An excessive or unwarranted self-confidence or arrogance in one's abilities, skills, or demeanor.
"The cockiness of the team's star player created a rift among the members."
Detailed meaning of cockiness
It denotes a sense of overconfidence or a display of superiority, often accompanied by a disregard for others' opinions or a tendency to boast about one's accomplishments. Cockiness is characterized by a brash or swaggering attitude, where someone believes they are better than others and often seeks to assert dominance or control in various situations. It can be perceived as a negative trait, as it often reflects an inflated sense of self-importance or an inability to recognize one's limitations. Cockiness can manifest in different domains, such as sports, academics, or personal interactions, and may lead to a lack of humility or the underestimation of others. Overall, the noun 'cockiness' signifies an exaggerated confidence that may disregard the boundaries of modesty or respect for others.
Example sentences containing cockiness
1. His cockiness became evident as he boasted about his achievements to everyone.
2. The athlete's cockiness rubbed his teammates the wrong way.
3. Her cockiness led her to believe she was invincible, but it eventually resulted in failure.
4. The politician's cockiness caused him to underestimate the challenges of the campaign.
5. Despite his cockiness, he lacked the skills to back up his claims.
6. The student's cockiness in class earned him a reputation for being arrogant.
History and etymology of cockiness
The noun 'cockiness' is derived from the word 'cocky,' which itself has an interesting etymology. 'Cocky' originally referred to the behavior or demeanor of a male rooster, known for its proud and self-assured stance. This word likely developed from the Middle English term 'cok,' which meant 'rooster.' Over time, 'cocky' came to describe a person who displayed excessive or unwarranted self-confidence or arrogance, as if they were strutting like a proud rooster. The evolution of 'cockiness' from the characteristics of a rooster's demeanor to describing human behavior emphasizes the concept of overconfidence and self-assuredness that the word conveys today. Understanding the etymology of 'cockiness' helps us see how it encapsulates the idea of exaggerated self-confidence and arrogance in one's abilities or demeanor.
Further usage examples of cockiness
1. Her cockiness blinded her to the valuable contributions of her colleagues.
2. The manager's cockiness made it difficult for others to approach him with suggestions or concerns.
3. The cockiness of the actor made him unpopular among his co-stars.
4. The salesperson's cockiness turned off potential clients who were seeking a more humble approach.
5. Over time, his cockiness transformed into humility as he learned from his mistakes.
6. His cockiness often led to clashes with teammates.
7. She impressed everyone with her talent, not cockiness.
8. Cockiness can hinder personal growth and learning.
9. Confidence is admirable, but cockiness is a turn-off.
10. His cockiness masked his insecurities.
11. The coach addressed the player's cockiness.
12. Cockiness is a barrier to effective communication.
13. She displayed a surprising amount of cockiness.
14. Cockiness can lead to costly mistakes.
15. Overcoming cockiness requires self-reflection.
16. His cockiness cost him the promotion.
17. Cockiness can alienate those around you.
18. The team's cockiness led to complacency.
19. He couldn't back up his cockiness with results.
20. A dose of humility can counteract cockiness.
21. Her cockiness often rubbed people the wrong way.
22. Cockiness is a facade for insecurity.
23. Cockiness is a common trait in some athletes.
24. They mistook his confidence for cockiness.
25. The boss addressed the employee's cockiness.
Synonyms
Quiz categories containing cockiness
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Suffix -ness, Illusion and Insincerity, Behavior and Conduct, Burden and Stress, Scorn and Censure, Dominance and Supremacy, Embarrassment and Discomfort, Arrogance and Selfishness
arrogance,braggadocio,conceit,hubris,swagger,vanity
arrogance, humility, modesty, shyness
eb68db_5642b47368e64346b9c22e3cf1796955.mp3
boastfulness,haughtiness,overconfidence,smugness,superiority