1
Core quality
Having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
Example
The arrogant official refused to consult local experts.
arrogant
/ˈærəɡənt/ · AIR-uh-guntadjective
Having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
Use arrogant to express this relationship precisely: having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
What arrogant Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her confident answer sounded assured rather than arrogant.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
An arrogant assumption that failure was impossible weakened the plan.
Use arrogant Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The arrogant official refused to consult local experts.
Her confident answer sounded assured rather than arrogant.
An arrogant assumption that failure was impossible weakened the plan.
Precision Matters
Arrogant overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
arrogant
vs.Means having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
contrite
Means genuinely sorry, remorseful, and ashamed about one's wrongdoing.
arrogant
vs.Means having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
solicitous
Means showing attentive concern, care, or anxiety for another person's welfare or needs.
arrogant
vs.Means having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
punctilious
Means showing exact and careful attention to rules, formalities, procedures, and small details.
arrogant
vs.Means having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
supercilious
Means behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
Test arrogant in Context
He displays an exaggerated belief in his own superiority.
1
Certain that no colleague could improve his work, the ___ researcher dismissed every suggestion unread.