arrogancy
|ar-ro-gan-cy|
🇺🇸
/əˈrɑɡənsi/
🇬🇧
/əˈrɒɡənsi/
overbearing self-importance
Etymology
'arrogancy' originates from Latin, specifically the Medieval Latin word 'arrogantia', where 'arrogare' meant 'to claim for oneself' (from 'ad-' meaning 'to' + 'rogare' meaning 'to ask').
'arrogantia' passed into Old French as 'arrogance' and then into Middle English as 'arrogance'; the -ancy variant (as in 'arrogancy') is an alternate nominal form that developed in English alongside 'arrogance'.
Initially it meant 'a claiming or demanding for oneself'; over time the sense shifted to emphasize the speaker's undue self-importance, now meaning 'overbearing pride or self-importance'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being arrogant; an overbearing sense of one's own importance or abilities.
His arrogancy made it difficult for others to work with him.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a specific act or remark that shows arrogance; an instance of overbearing behavior.
The manager's refusal to listen to feedback was a clear arrogancy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/19 23:34