Smugness: meaning, definitions and examples

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smugness

 

[ smʌɡnəs ]

Context #1

personality trait

Smugness is the quality of being too pleased with oneself or one's achievements. It is characterized by an excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities, often accompanied by a sense of superiority over others.

Synonyms

arrogance, conceit, self-satisfaction

Examples of usage

  • His smugness was evident in the way he talked down to his colleagues.
  • She couldn't hide her smugness after winning the competition.
Context #2

expression

Smugness can also refer to a smug or self-satisfied facial expression that conveys a sense of superiority or self-importance.

Synonyms

complacency, self-sufficiency, smirk

Examples of usage

  • His smugness was written all over his face when he thought he had outsmarted everyone.
  • The politician's smugness during the debate turned off many viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "smugness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 presunção

🇮🇳 अहंकार

🇩🇪 Selbstgefälligkeit

🇮🇩 kesombongan

🇺🇦 самовдоволення

🇵🇱 zarozumiałość

🇯🇵 自己満足

🇫🇷 complaisance

🇪🇸 satisfacción

🇹🇷 kibir

🇰🇷 자기만족

🇸🇦 غرور

🇨🇿 samolibost

🇸🇰 sebavedomie

🇨🇳 自满

🇸🇮 samozadovoljstvo

🇮🇸 sjálfsánægja

🇰🇿 өзімшілдік

🇬🇪 თვითკმაყოფილება

🇦🇿 özündənrazılıq

🇲🇽 satisfacción

Word origin

The word 'smugness' originates from the Middle English word 'smogen,' which means to smother or suffocate. Over time, it evolved to mean self-satisfaction or pride. The concept of smugness has been present in various cultures and societies throughout history, often associated with qualities like arrogance and conceit.

See also: smug.