proud
gb/pɹˈaʊd/ us/pɹˈaʊd/
A2
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
state
1
Feeling pleased about achievements
Feeling happy because you or someone close to you has done something well.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is proud of [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say 'proud for' instead of 'proud of'. The correct preposition is 'of' when referring to the cause of pride.
Synonyms
pleased (Less intense and more general than 'proud', often about smaller successes.)
|
satisfied (Focuses more on contentment than emotional pride.)
Antonyms
ashamed (Feeling bad or embarrassed about something, the opposite of pride.)
Collocations
proud of
|proud moment
|proud parent
|proud achievement
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She was proud of her daughter's graduation.
- I feel proud of the work we did together.
- He looked proud after winning the award.
- They are proud to be part of this project.
Learner examples
- I am proud of my team.
- She is proud of her son.
- We are proud of our school.
- He feels proud when he helps others.
adjective
B1
property
2
Having too much self-importance
Thinking you are more important or better than other people.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is too proud to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse positive pride with arrogance. Context and tone decide whether it is praise or criticism.
Synonyms
arrogant (Stronger and more negative than 'proud', often implying rudeness.)
|
conceited (Suggests being vain and self-centered.)
Antonyms
humble (Having a modest view of one's importance.)
Collocations
too proud
|proud man
|proud look
Themes
emotions
|personality
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He's too proud to admit he was wrong.
- She walked in with a proud expression that annoyed everyone.
- They were proud and refused any help.
Learner examples
- He is too proud to say sorry.
- She is proud and does not listen.
- They are proud and do not ask for help.
adjective
B2
property
3
Impressive in appearance or manner
Looking grand, strong, or beautiful in a way that makes people notice.
Usage pattern:
a proud [building/animal/person]
Synonyms
majestic (More formal and poetic, often used for landscapes or animals.)
|
stately (Formal, dignified, and impressive.)
Antonyms
shabby (Looking worn-out and unimpressive.)
Collocations
proud building
|proud animal
|proud posture
Themes
appearance
|nature
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The proud old oak stood in the middle of the field.
- A proud eagle soared above the mountains.
- The proud palace overlooked the city.
Learner examples
- The proud horse walked slowly.
- A proud tree stood in the park.
- The proud castle was very old.
Grammar
Dictionary form
proud
IPA
GB/pɹˈaʊd/
US/pɹˈaʊd/
Syllables & stress
proud (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (proud)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: proud
- Comparative: prouder
- Superlative: proudest
Word family
Expressions
make someone proud
1/mˈeɪk sˈʌmwˌʌn pɹˈaʊd/
fixed phrase
Cause someone to feel pride in you
To do something that makes another person feel happy and pleased with you.
Examples
- You made your parents proud by graduating first in your class.
- Her performance made the whole team proud.
proud of yourself
1/pɹˈaʊd əv jʊɹsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
Happy about your own actions
Feeling happy because you did something good or difficult.
Examples
- You should be proud of yourself for finishing the race.
- I'm really proud of myself for speaking in public.
too proud to [do something]
1/tˈu pɹˈaʊd tə dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Unwilling due to excessive pride
Not wanting to do something because you think it would hurt your pride.
Examples
- He's too proud to ask for help when he needs it.
- She was too proud to admit her mistake.