Smugness: meaning, definitions and examples

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smugness

 

[ smʌɡnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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 | Noun

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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,585 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.