Hubris vs. arrogance: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Hubris often implies a sense of pride that leads to downfall, typically in a classical or moral context, while arrogance is more generally used to describe an overbearing sense of superiority.
What they have in common
Both hubris and arrogance refer to an excessively high opinion of oneself.
Examples
hubris
- His hubris led him to underestimate his opponents, resulting in a humiliating defeat.
- The ancient hero’s hubris was his tragic flaw.
arrogance
- Her arrogance made it difficult for others to work with her.
- He was criticized for his arrogance when he dismissed the concerns of others.
Which one is more common?
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