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adj

prideful

PRUH-ihd-fuhl
adj
1
Full of pride, especially in an excessive or boastful way.
"He gave a prideful smile as he described his son's achievements."
"The team's prideful captain refused to admit any weakness."

How to Use Prideful

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFull of pride — often used a bit critically, to suggest someone is too pleased with themselves.

Common mistake

Prideful usually carries a negative shade (arrogant, boastful), while proud can be either positive or negative depending on context.

Common pairings
a prideful smile prideful of one's achievements prideful boasting

Word Forms

more prideful comparative, most prideful superlative

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He gave a _____ smile as he described his son's achievements.

Etymology

From Middle English pridefulle, built from pride plus the suffix -ful.

Rhymes for prideful

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial