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Arrogance and Selfishness Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

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How to pronounce aggrandize (audio)

To make someone appear more powerful or important than they actually are, often for the purpose of gaining attention or respect.

aggrandize

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Complete Spelling List for Arrogance and Selfishness with Part of Speech, IPA, Definitions, Examples, & Etymology

Spell: aggrandize (verb) /əˈɡrandʌɪz/
Definition: To make someone appear more powerful or important than they actually are, often for the purpose of gaining attention or respect.
Example Sentence: "Some historical figures are known to have exaggerated their achievements to aggrandize their legacies."
Word origin: The verb 'aggrandize' has its roots in French, originating from the word 'agrandir,' which means 'to enlarge' or 'to increase.

Spell: argumentative (adjective) /ˌɑr gyəˈmɛn tə tɪv/
Definition: Tending to engage in arguments or disputes easily, often exhibiting a strong inclination or propensity for disagreement or debate.
Example Sentence: "His argumentative nature often made friendly conversations turn into debates."
Word origin: The adjective 'argumentative' stems from the noun 'argument,' which, as previously explained, has its roots in the Latin word 'argumentum,' derived from 'arguere,' meaning 'to make clear' or 'to prove.

Spell: arrogance (noun) /ˈær ə gəns/
Definition: An exaggerated or inflated sense of self-importance or superiority.
Example Sentence: "She displayed arrogance when she dismissed others' opinions."
Word origin: The noun 'arrogance' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: arrogant (adjective) /ˈarəɡ(ə)nt/
Definition: Having or showing an attitude of superiority and self-importance.
Example Sentence: "Her arrogant behavior makes it hard to collaborate."
Word origin: The adjective 'arrogant' shares its etymological origins with the noun 'arrogance.

Spell: arrogate (verb) /ˈarəɡeɪt/
Definition: To take or claim something without justification or permission, often with a sense of entitlement or superiority.
Example Sentence: "It is wrong to arrogate someone's ideas without giving them credit."
Word origin: The verb 'arrogate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from 'arrogatus,' the past participle of 'arrogare,' where 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward,' and 'rogare' means 'to ask' or 'to request.

Spell: avaricious (adjective) /ˌavəˈrɪʃəs/
Definition: Having or showing an extreme and often selfish desire for wealth or material gain.
Example Sentence: "He was avaricious entrepreneur who was always looking to to increase his profit margin."
Word origin: The adjective 'avaricious' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'avaritia,' which is derived from 'avarus,' meaning 'greedy' or 'covetous.

Spell: bluster (verb) /ˈblʌstə/
Definition: To speak in a loud and intimidating manner, often intended to assert one's dominance or authority.
Example Sentence: "He tends to bluster when confronted with criticism, but it's all talk."
Word origin: The verb 'bluster' has its origins in the Middle English word 'blustren,' which meant 'to blow violently' or 'to roar.

Spell: brag (verb) /bræg/
Definition: To excessively boast or express excessive pride about one's accomplishments, possessions, abilities, or qualities.
Example Sentence: "She has a tendency to brag about her achievements."
Word origin: The verb 'brag' has its origins in the early 14th century, and its etymology can be traced back to the Middle English word 'braggen.

Spell: braggart (noun) /ˈbræg ərt/
Definition: A person who boasts about their achievements or possessions in an excessive or arrogant manner.
Example Sentence: "Nobody likes a braggart who is always boasting about themselves."
Word origin: The noun 'braggart' has its origins in the Middle English word 'bragard,' which means 'boaster' or 'braggart.

Spell: bumptious (adjective) /ˈbʌm(p)ʃəs/
Definition: Overly self-assertive or arrogant, often in an offensive or aggressive way.
Example Sentence: "Her bumptious attitude was off-putting to many of her colleagues."
Word origin: The adjective 'bumptious' has its origins in the English dialect word 'bump,' which means 'swollen' or 'puffed up.

Spell: cavalier (adjective) /ˌkavəˈlɪə/
Definition: Displaying a casual, indifferent, or disdainful attitude towards important matters, responsibilities, or conventions.
Example Sentence: "The cavalier disregard for the rules resulted in chaos."
Word origin: The adjective 'cavalier' has its roots in French, specifically from the word 'chevalier,' meaning 'knight.

Spell: cockiness (noun) /ˈkɒkɪnɪs/
Definition: An excessive or unwarranted self-confidence or arrogance in one's abilities, skills, or demeanor.
Example Sentence: "The athlete's cockiness rubbed his teammates the wrong way."
Word origin: The noun 'cockiness' is derived from the word 'cocky,' which itself has an interesting etymology.

Spell: conceit (noun) /kənˈsiːt/
Definition: An excessive or exaggerated opinion of one's abilities, importance, or attractiveness.
Example Sentence: "His arrogance and conceit made it difficult for others to connect with him."
Word origin: The noun 'conceit' has its origins in Latin, specifically from 'conceitum,' the past participle of 'concipere,' which means 'to take in' or 'to conceive.

Spell: condescend (verb) /ˌkɒn dəˈsɛnd/
Definition: To behave in a patronizing or superior manner towards others, often accompanied by a sense of superiority or arrogance.
Example Sentence: "He'll condescend to the newcomers with a tone that makes them feel inferior."
Word origin: The verb 'condescend' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'descendere' meaning 'to descend' or 'to go down.

Spell: condescending (adjective) /ˌkɒndɪˈsɛndɪŋ/
Definition: Having or showing a patronizing or superior tone, as if looking down on others.
Example Sentence: "She had a habit of making condescending remarks about others' choices."
Word origin: The adjective 'condescending' has its roots in Latin, specifically from 'condescendere,' which combines 'con-' (with) and 'descendere' (to descend or lower oneself).

Spell: domineering (adjective) /ˌdɒm əˈnɪər ɪŋ/
Definition: Asserting excessive control or authority over others in an overbearing or oppressive manner.
Example Sentence: "The manager's domineering style of leadership led to low morale among the employees."
Word origin: The adjective 'domineering' is formed by adding the suffix '-ing' to the word 'domineer,' which has its etymological roots in the Old French term 'dominer.

Spell: egocentric (adjective) /ˌi goʊˈsɛn trɪk/
Definition: Tending to prioritize one's own interests, needs, and desires above those of others.
Example Sentence: "She had an egocentric outlook on life, always putting her own needs above others'."
Word origin: The adjective 'egocentric' finds its origins in two distinct components.

Spell: entitled (adjective) /ɪnˈtʌɪtld/
Definition: Believing oneself to have a right or a privilege to something, often without having earned it.
Example Sentence: "The entitled attitude of the new employee rubbed his colleagues the wrong way."
Word origin: The adjective 'entitled' is derived from the verb 'entitle,' which has its origins in Old French 'entituler,' meaning 'to give a title to.

Spell: entitlement (noun) /ɛnˈtaɪ tl mənt/
Definition: The belief or sense of deserving special privileges, benefits, or rights based on one's position, status, or personal circumstances.
Example Sentence: "She had a sense of entitlement that made her believe she deserved special treatment."
Word origin: The noun 'entitlement' has its etymological roots in the Old French word 'entiteler,' which meant 'to entitle' or 'to give a title to.

Spell: gall (noun) /gɔl/
Definition: Bold or impudent behavior, displaying audacity or impertinence.
Example Sentence: "His constant bragging and arrogance displayed an incredible amount of gall."
Word origin: The noun 'gall,' in the sense of displaying audacity or impertinence, has an intriguing etymology.

Spell: gloat (verb) /ɡləʊt/
Definition: To take excessive pleasure or delight in one's own success, achievement, or good fortune, often at the expense of others.
Example Sentence: "She used the opportunity to gloat about her new promotion to her former colleagues."
Word origin: The verb 'gloat,' with its origins dating back to the early 17th century, has an intriguing etymology.

Spell: gluttonous (adjective) /ˈglʌt n əs/
Definition: Exhibiting an excessive or insatiable desire for food or indulgence.
Example Sentence: "The buffet offered a tempting array of gluttonous delights, from overflowing plates of pasta to decadent chocolate desserts."
Word origin: The adjective 'gluttonous' is derived from the noun 'glutton,' which has its etymological origins in Middle English.

Spell: gluttony (noun) /ˈɡlʌtəni/
Definition: The overindulgence and overconsumption of food or drink.
Example Sentence: "Resisting the temptation of gluttony, especially during holidays, can be quite challenging."
Word origin: The noun 'gluttony' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin.

Spell: greed (noun) /grid/
Definition: An intense and selfish desire for excessive wealth, possessions, or power.
Example Sentence: "The politician's greed for power drove them to make unethical decisions and exploit their constituents."
Word origin: The noun 'greed' has its origins in Middle English and is connected to the Old English word 'græd,' which meant 'greed' or 'voracity.

Spell: haughty (adjective) /ˈhɔːti/
Definition: Displaying an attitude of excessive pride, arrogance, or superiority towards others.
Example Sentence: "Despite his achievements, he remained humble and never displayed a haughty attitude."
Word origin: The adjective 'haughty' draws its etymological roots from Old French, specifically the word 'haut,' meaning 'high' or 'elevated.

Spell: highfalutin (adjective) /ˌhaɪfəˈlutɪn/
Definition: Pretentious or pompous, especially of language, behavior, or attitude.
Example Sentence: "She dismissed his highfalutin ideas as impractical and unrealistic."
Word origin: The word 'highfalutin' has a colorful etymology that traces its origins to the American English slang of the 19th century.

Spell: hubris (noun) /ˈhjuːbrɪs/
Definition: Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to arrogance and a disregard for others.
Example Sentence: "His hubris blinded him to the advice of others, resulting in his failure."
Word origin: The noun 'hubris' finds its origins in ancient Greece, where it was a central concept in Greek tragedy and philosophy.

Spell: imperious (adjective) /ɪmˈpɪərɪəs/
Definition: Haughty, domineering, or overbearing in behavior or attitude.
Example Sentence: "Her imperious tone made it clear that she expected everyone to follow her orders."
Word origin: The adjective 'imperious' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'imperiosus,' which in turn comes from 'imperium,' meaning 'command' or 'authority.

Spell: inconsiderate (adjective) /ˌɪnkənˈsɪd(ə)rət/
Definition: Thoughtless or lacking in consideration for others.
Example Sentence: "Parking in the handicap spot without a permit is truly inconsiderate."
Word origin: The adjective 'inconsiderate' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'consideratus,' which means 'to think carefully' or 'to examine closely.

Spell: merciless (adjective) /ˈmɜr sɪ lɪs/
Definition: Lacking compassion, kindness, or pity towards others.
Example Sentence: "They faced a relentless and merciless opponent in the battle."
Word origin: The adjective 'merciless' can be traced back to the Old English word 'mercy,' which originally meant 'kindness' or 'compassion.

Spell: narcissism (noun) /ˈnɑːsɪsɪzᵊm/
Definition: A psychological trait or personality disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a constant craving for admiration and validation.
Example Sentence: "The keynote address delved into the perils of unchecked narcissism."
Word origin: The noun 'narcissism' has its etymological origins in Greek mythology.

Spell: narcissist (noun) /ˈnɑːsɪsɪst/
Definition: A person who has an excessive admiration or obsession with themselves.
Example Sentence: "Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging due to their constant need for admiration."
Word origin: The noun 'narcissist' is rooted in Greek mythology, specifically the story of Narcissus, a character from ancient Greek tales.

Spell: narcissistic (adjective) /ˌnɑr səˈsɪs tɪk/
Definition: Displaying excessive self-admiration, a grandiose sense of self-importance, and an overwhelming preoccupation with their own needs and desires.
Example Sentence: "She left her narcissistic partner who was obsessed with his own reflection."
Word origin: The term 'narcissistic' derives its etymology from the ancient Greek mythological figure Narcissus.

Spell: obstinate (adjective) /ˈɒbstɪnət/
Definition: Unyielding, stubbornly resistant to change, persuasion, or compromise.
Example Sentence: "Her obstinate refusal to adapt to new technology hindered her career progress."
Word origin: The adjective 'obstinate' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'obstinatus,' which means 'resolved' or 'firmly determined.

Spell: ostentatious (adjective) /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃəs/
Definition: Showy or flamboyant, often in a manner that is meant to impress or attract attention.
Example Sentence: "The billionaire's mansion was filled with ostentatious decorations and luxurious furnishings."
Word origin: The adjective 'ostentatious' derives from the Latin word 'ostentatio,' which means 'display' or 'showing off.

Spell: patronizing (adjective) /ˈpeɪ trəˌnaɪ zɪŋ/
Definition: Displaying a condescending or superior tone towards others, often with the intention of belittling or demeaning them.
Example Sentence: "The politician's speech was filled with patronizing remarks aimed at discrediting his opponents."
Word origin: The adjective 'patronizing' derives its etymology from the noun 'patron,' which in turn has its roots in Latin and Old French.

Spell: pompous (adjective) /ˈpɒmpəs/
Definition: Displaying an exaggerated sense of self-importance, grandiosity, or pretentiousness in one's behavior, speech, or mannerisms.
Example Sentence: "She had a habit of making pompous remarks that irritated her friends."
Word origin: The adjective 'pompous' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'pomposus,' which meant 'full of ceremony' or 'grand.

Spell: presumptuous (adjective) /prɪˈzʌm(p)tʃʊəs/
Definition: Having an overconfident or overly assertive manner, often without sufficient justification or evidence.
Example Sentence: "Her presumptuous comments about their relationship crossed a line."
Word origin: The adjective 'presumptuous' can trace its etymological roots to the Latin word 'praesumptuosus,' which means 'arrogant' or 'overstepping.

Spell: prima-donna (noun) /ˌpriːmə ˈdɒnə/
Definition: A demanding, temperamental and arrogant person who behaves as if they are entitled to special treatment.
Example Sentence: "Dealing with a prima donna can be challenging due to their demanding nature."
Word origin: The noun 'prima donna' has its etymological origins in Italian opera.

Spell: sanctimonious (adjective) /ˌsaŋ(k)tɪˈməʊnɪəs/
Definition: Making a show of being morally superior to others in a hypocritical, condescending, or self-righteous way.
Example Sentence: "Her sanctimonious attitude towards the less fortunate was starting to grate on everyone."
Word origin: The adjective 'sanctimonious' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'sanctimonia,' which means 'holiness' or 'sanctity.

Spell: snobbery (noun) /ˈsnɒb ə ri/
Definition: An excessive sense of superiority and condescension towards others based on perceived social status, wealth, education, or taste.
Example Sentence: "The snobbery of the art world made it difficult for emerging artists to gain recognition."
Word origin: The noun 'snobbery' has its etymological origins in 18th-century England.

Spell: snobbish (adjective) /ˈsnɒb ɪʃ/
Definition: Displaying the characteristics or attitudes associated with snobbery.
Example Sentence: "His snobbish attitude made it difficult to have meaningful conversations with him."
Word origin: The term 'snobbish' finds its etymological roots in the word 'snob,' which was originally a slang term in England during the early 19th century.

Spell: snooty (adjective) /ˈsnu ti/
Definition: Displaying an air of superiority or arrogance, often accompanied by a condescending attitude.
Example Sentence: "I don't like that snooty club; they only let certain people in."
Word origin: The term 'snooty' has its roots in British slang, specifically in the late 19th century.

Spell: supercilious (adjective) /ˌsuːpəˈsɪlɪəs/
Definition: Displaying an attitude of haughty superiority or disdain towards others.
Example Sentence: "He wore a supercilious smirk as he dismissed their opinions with a wave of his hand."
Word origin: The adjective 'supercilious' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'supercilium,' which means 'eyebrow.

Spell: uppity (adjective) /ˈʌpɪti/
Definition: Overly self-important, arrogant, or presumptuous, particularly in a way that is seen as unwarranted or inappropriate.
Example Sentence: "The uppity guest at the party acted as if she were above everyone else."
Word origin: The adjective 'uppity' is an informal term that originated in the United States in the late 19th century.

Spell: vainglorious (adjective) /veɪnˈglɔr i əs/
Definition: Excessively proud, boastful, or vain, often to the point of being arrogant or self-centered.
Example Sentence: "The politician's vainglorious speeches were met with skepticism from the public."
Word origin: The adjective 'vainglorious' has its roots in Old French and Latin.

Spell: vanity (noun) /ˈvanɪti/
Definition: An excessive preoccupation with one's appearance, abilities, or self-worth, often accompanied by a desire for admiration and validation from others.
Example Sentence: "He was known for his excessive vanity, always admiring himself in the mirror."
Word origin: The noun 'vanity' finds its etymological origins in Latin, specifically in the word 'vanitas,' which means 'emptiness' or 'futility.

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