Pride vs. Hubris — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 8, 2024
Pride is a feeling of satisfaction derived from one's achievements, while hubris is excessive pride that defies norms or authority.
Difference Between Pride and Hubris
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pride, in its essence, is a positive emotion that reflects a person’s self-respect and satisfaction in their achievements, contributing to healthy self-esteem. Individuals take pride in their personal accomplishments or the achievements of those close to them, like family or friends, which fosters a sense of fulfillment and confidence. Hubris, on the other hand, is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance and arrogance, often disregarding the truth or the well-being of others. It goes beyond healthy self-esteem to enter the realm of overconfidence and disrespect for others and societal norms.
While pride can be seen as a source of motivation that encourages individuals to achieve their best, hubris can alienate others and lead to isolation. People who exhibit pride in a balanced way are often respected and admired for their achievements and character. In contrast, those who display hubris may find themselves facing criticism and resistance from others, as their behavior can be off-putting and perceived as disrespectful.
In the workplace, for example, pride can drive one to deliver exceptional results and take ownership of their contributions, fostering a positive and collaborative environment. Whereas, hubris can manifest in a disregard for teamwork and an inflated perception of one’s indispensability, which can undermine collective efforts and lead to conflicts.
The recognition and response from society towards pride and hubris also vary significantly. Pride, when displayed in moderation, is generally viewed as an admirable trait that signifies strength, achievement, and a positive self-image. Hubris, however, is often criticized and viewed negatively, as it embodies arrogance and a lack of humility, which can lead to social and personal repercussions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Satisfaction from one’s achievements
Excessive pride that defies norms or authority
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Connotation
Generally positive
Negative
Impact on Self
Enhances self-esteem
Leads to overconfidence and distorted self-perception
Impact on Relationships
Fosters respect and admiration
Causes alienation and conflict
Societal Perception
Admired when balanced
Criticized and viewed negatively
Compare with Definitions
Pride
Self-Respect.
She felt a deep sense of pride after completing the marathon, showcasing her dedication.
Hubris
Arrogance.
His hubris made him overlook the advice of his experienced colleagues.
Pride
Positive Emotion.
Their pride in their cultural heritage bonded the community together.
Hubris
Overconfidence.
Her hubris led to underestimating the project's complexity, resulting in failure.
Pride
Achievement.
His pride in his academic accomplishments motivated him to pursue further education.
Hubris
Disregard for Norms.
The CEO’s hubris pushed him to make decisions without consulting the board.
Pride
Confidence.
Pride in her skills allowed her to tackle challenges with confidence.
Hubris
Downfall.
The politician’s hubris was his downfall, as his actions eventually led to his resignation.
Pride
Pride is positive emotional response or attitude to something with an intimate connection to oneself, due to its perceived value. Oxford defines it amongst other things as "the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's own importance" This may be related to one's own abilities or achievements, positive characteristics of friends or family, or one's country.
Hubris
Isolation.
Her hubris alienated her from her peers, leaving her to face challenges alone.
Pride
A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect.
Hubris
Hubris, or less frequently, hybris ( or , from ancient Greek ὕβρις), describes a personality quality of extreme or excessive pride or dangerous overconfidence, often in combination with (or synonymous with) arrogance. The term "arrogance" comes from the Latin adrogare, meaning to feel that one has a right to demand certain attitudes and behaviors from other people.
Pride
Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association
Parental pride.
Hubris
Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance
"There is no safety in unlimited technological hubris" (McGeorge Bundy).
Pride
Arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.
Hubris
Excessive pride, presumption or arrogance (originally toward the gods).
Pride
A cause or source of pleasure or satisfaction; the best of a group or class
These soldiers were their country's pride.
Hubris
Overbearing pride or presumption
Pride
The most successful or thriving condition; prime
The pride of youth.
Pride
An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.
Pride
Mettle or spirit in horses.
Pride
(Zoology) A group of lions, usually consisting of several related females and their offspring and a small number of unrelated adult males.
Pride
A flamboyant or impressive group
A pride of acrobats.
Pride
To indulge (oneself) in a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction
I pride myself on this beautiful garden.
Pride
The quality or state of being proud; an unreasonable overestimation of one's own superiority in terms of talents, looks, wealth, importance etc., which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve and often contempt of others.
Pride
A sense of one's own worth, and scorn for what is beneath or unworthy of oneself; lofty self-respect; noble self-esteem; elevation of character; dignified bearing; rejection of shame
He took pride in his work.
He had pride of ownership in his department.
Pride
Proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing and conduct; insolent exultation.
Pride
That of which one is proud; that which excites boasting or self-congratulation; the occasion or ground of self-esteem, or of arrogant and presumptuous confidence, as beauty, ornament, noble character, children, etc.
Pride
Show; ostentation; glory.
Pride
Highest pitch; elevation reached; loftiness; prime; glory.
Pride
Consciousness of power; fullness of animal spirits; mettle; wantonness.
Pride
Lust; sexual desire; especially, excitement of sexual appetite in a female animal.
Pride
A company of lions or other large felines.
A pride of lions often consists of a dominant male, his harem and their offspring, but young adult males 'leave home' to roam about as bachelors pride until able to seize/establish a family pride of their own.
Pride
(zoology) The small European lamprey species Petromyzon branchialis.
Pride
(reflexive) To take or experience pride in something; to be proud of it.
I pride myself on being a good judge of character.
Pride
A small European lamprey (Petromyzon branchialis); - called also prid, and sandpiper.
Pride
The quality or state of being proud; inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, rank, etc., which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.
Those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Pride that dines on vanity sups on contempt.
Pride
A sense of one's own worth, and abhorrence of what is beneath or unworthy of one; lofty self-respect; noble self-esteem; elevation of character; dignified bearing; proud delight; - in a good sense.
Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride.
A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants.
Pride
Proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing and conduct; insolent exultation; disdain.
Let not the foot of pride come against me.
That hardly we escaped the pride of France.
Pride
That of which one is proud; that which excites boasting or self-gratulation; the occasion or ground of self-esteem, or of arrogant and presumptuous confidence, as beauty, ornament, noble character, children, etc.
Lofty trees yclad with summer's pride.
I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
A bold peasantry, their country's pride.
Pride
Show; ostentation; glory.
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war.
Pride
Highest pitch; elevation reached; loftiness; prime; glory; as, to be in the pride of one's life.
A falcon, towering in her pride of place.
Pride
Consciousness of power; fullness of animal spirits; mettle; wantonness; hence, lust; sexual desire; esp., an excitement of sexual appetite in a female beast.
Pride
To indulge in pride, or self-esteem; to rate highly; to plume; - used reflexively.
Pluming and priding himself in all his services.
Pride
To be proud; to glory.
Pride
A feeling of self-respect and personal worth
Pride
Satisfaction with your (or another's) achievements;
He takes pride in his son's success
Pride
The trait of being spurred on by a dislike of falling below your standards
Pride
A group of lions
Pride
Unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem (personified as one of the deadly sins)
Pride
Be proud of;
He prides himself on making it into law school
Pride
Motivation.
The pride they took in their work fueled their drive for excellence.
Common Curiosities
What are the consequences of hubris?
Hubris can lead to personal and professional downfalls, including isolation, conflict, and failure.
How can pride be beneficial?
Pride can motivate individuals to achieve excellence, foster self-confidence, and enhance self-esteem.
How does society view pride and hubris?
Society generally views pride positively when it is balanced, but views hubris negatively due to its arrogance and disregard for norms.
Can hubris be corrected?
Yes, with self-awareness and a willingness to change, individuals can address and correct hubristic tendencies.
Can pride turn into hubris?
Yes, when pride becomes excessive and leads to arrogance, it can turn into hubris.
How does hubris affect relationships?
Hubris can damage relationships by causing alienation and conflicts due to perceived arrogance.
What is the main difference between pride and hubris?
Pride is a healthy sense of self-respect and satisfaction, whereas hubris is excessive pride that defies norms or authority.
Can one feel pride without achievements?
Pride can also stem from personal qualities or the achievements of close associates, not just one's own achievements.
Is hubris always negative?
Yes, hubris is characterized by its excessive and negative connotations, leading to negative outcomes.
What role does pride play in motivation?
Pride serves as a powerful motivator by encouraging people to pursue their goals and maintain high standards.
How does pride affect one’s self-image?
Pride positively affects self-image by reinforcing a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
Why is hubris dangerous in leadership?
In leadership, hubris can lead to poor decision-making, disregard for valuable advice, and potential downfall.
Is it possible to have too much pride?
Yes, excessive pride can become detrimental, especially when it leads to arrogance or prevents one from acknowledging mistakes.
What is the psychological basis of pride?
The psychological basis of pride is linked to achieving goals, personal growth, and recognition of one’s capabilities.
How can one differentiate between healthy pride and hubris?
Healthy pride is characterized by a balanced self-esteem and respect for others, while hubris is marked by excessive arrogance and disregard for advice or criticism.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
