Proud

adj.joyful, capablewarm

What it means

Feeling worthy satisfaction in an effort, quality, relationship, or achievement.

Reach for it when expressing affirming pleasure without implying superiority

The apprentices were proud of the bridge they had restored together.

everyday
pleased
when moderate happiness about an outcome is enough
not when Pleased is less personal and does not show earned self-respect.
warm
fulfilled
when achievement brings deep completion or meaning
not when Fulfillment is stronger and may not involve pride at all.
warm
self-respecting
when healthy regard for one's worth is central
not when It does not express pleasure in a specific person or accomplishment.
professional
confident
when pride strengthens belief in ability
not when Confidence looks forward, while pride usually responds to something already true.
professional
satisfied
when the result has met a personal standard
not when Satisfaction is quieter and need not involve identity or admiration.
formal
gratified
when effort or values have been validated
not when The word is restrained and awkward in a child's encouragement card.
formal
honored
when recognition or inclusion produces humble pride
not when Honor depends on being entrusted or recognized, not simply achieving.
literary
dignified
when self-respect appears in composed conduct
not when Dignity is a manner or standing, not the feeling of pride.

proud of you
I am proud of you for asking for help before the problem grew.
justifiably proud
The volunteers were justifiably proud of the accessible garden they built.
proud moment
Watching her first student graduate was a proud moment.

Proud can also mean arrogant; this record covers the positive satisfaction sense only.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.