Words / C2

HYOOBR-is/ˈhjuːbrɪs/

Hubris is dangerous overconfidence; pride that invites a fall (from Greek tragedy): an act of hubris. Pride can be healthy; arrogance is close but need not suggest punishment. Hybrid is a mix of two things — lookalike. Nemesis is the fall that follows in the old stories. Do not call ordinary ambition hubris.

Meaning

Dangerous overconfidence; pride that invites a fall (from Greek tragedy).

Examples

• “Launching without a backup was hubris, not courage.”
• “Launching with no backup was hubris, not bravery.”
• “The tragedy treats hubris as a flaw; a hybrid car is engineering.”

Good to know

Pride that goes too far (literary/formal). Close: arrogance. Mix-up: hybrid (a mix). Follow-up in myth: nemesis. Not ordinary ambition.

Near in meaning

arrogance

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