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 | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
everyday
Fits when moderate happiness about an outcome is enough
Careful Pleased is less personal and does not show earned self-respect.
warm
Fits when achievement brings deep completion or meaning
Careful Fulfillment is stronger and may not involve pride at all.
warm
self-respecting
Fits when healthy regard for one's worth is central
Careful It does not express pleasure in a specific person or accomplishment.
professional
Fits when pride strengthens belief in ability
Careful Confidence looks forward, while pride usually responds to something already true.
professional
Fits when the result has met a personal standard
Careful Satisfaction is quieter and need not involve identity or admiration.
formal
Fits when effort or values have been validated
Careful The word is restrained and awkward in a child's encouragement card.
formal
Fits when recognition or inclusion produces humble pride
Careful Honor depends on being entrusted or recognized, not simply achieving.
literary
Fits when self-respect appears in composed conduct
Careful 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.
Keep in mind
Proud can also mean arrogant; this page is about the positive sense, taking satisfaction in something.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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