Overweening - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Overweening means excessively arrogant or self-confident, often to the point of being presumptuous or overbearing. It describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities.
Definition:
Excessively arrogant or presumptuous; showing undue confidence.
Synonyms:
arrogant, haughty, conceited, pompous
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
humble, modest
Common Collocations:
overweening pride, overweening ambition, overweening confidence
Derivatives:
overweeningly, overweeningness
Usage Tips:
Use "overweening" to describe extreme arrogance or excessive self-confidence, often with negative connotations.
Common Phrases:
overweening pride, overweening ambition, overweening self-confidence
Etymology:
From Middle English "overwening," meaning "excessive," combining "over-" (excessively) and "ween" (think or suppose).
Examples:
- 1. His overweening pride made him unpopular among peers.
- 2. She dismissed his overweening claims as mere bravado.
- 3. The dictator’s overweening ambition led to his downfall.
- 4. His overweening confidence blinded him to his flaws.