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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.

overweening

/ˌoʊvərˈwinɪŋ/ /ˌəʊvəˈwiːnɪŋ/

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.

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