Difference Between Pride and Arrogance

Pride vs Arrogance
 

Difference between pride and arrogance is something we must look into as pride and arrogance can sometimes be confusing to identify as most people consider these two as similar. However, there is a difference between pride and arrogance. When looking at these two terms, one notices that both are qualities that we see in people. Some we consider as proud and others as arrogant. What is the difference and where exactly does pride turn into arrogance? Let us understand this by examining the ideas behind these terms. Pride is when a person feels satisfied with his abilities or possessions. Arrogance is when a person has an inflated opinion of his abilities or possessions. The difference between the two is that while pride is normal and is justified because a person has a special ability, arrogance is not. This article attempts to highlight this difference through an elaborated understanding of the two terms.

What does Pride mean?

Pride can be defined in a number of ways. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it is the pleasure or satisfaction gained from achievements, qualifications or possessions. For example, imagine a student passes his exam very well and has a remarkable skill for mathematical and analytical dynamics. It is only natural that the student takes pride on his achievement and feels proud of his capacity. In this sense, when a person owns a specific skill, ability or possession it can be justified that he feels proud of it. This has to be viewed as a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. As human beings, we all are proud of certain aspects of our lives. It can be a talent that we have such as dancing, singing, public speaking or else something that we are a part of such as a school football team, a friend group or even people whom we treasure such as our parents, children, partners, etc. Pride does not get in our way and turn into a barrier as long as we are aware of it and are in check. Also, the term pride is also used when referring to a group of lions.

What does Arrogance mean?

Arrogance can be understood as exaggerating one’s importance or abilities. When a person is proud, he has a certain talent, ability or possession. But, in the case of arrogance, this is a bit different. The object of pride is exaggerated and is not original. For example, a person can dance well. And she gains satisfaction from the awareness that she can dance well. This is pride. But, if the person thinks that she is the best, and there is not a single person that is good as she is, then this based on exaggeration. The person can be haughty and condescending towards others because he or she thinks that they know it all. This is a very negative quality in people that can often detriment relationships that the individual has with others.

What is the difference between Pride and Arrogance?

• Pride is when a person feels satisfied with his abilities or possessions.

• Arrogance is when a person has an inflated opinion of his abilities or possessions.

• The difference between the two is that while pride is normal and is justified because a person has a special ability, arrogance is not.

Images Courtesy:

1. Dancer by Tony Hisgett (CC BY 2.0)
2. Flamenco dancer by Carmel Natan Sheli (CC BY 2.0)