hubris
hubris
Pronunciation
There are two common pronunciations of "hubris" depending on the dialect (British vs American):
British English (Received Pronunciation):
IPA: /ˈhjuː.bɹɪs/
Breakdown by syllable:
hu: /hjuː/ - Similar to "hue" but with a longer "oo" sound.
bris: /bɹɪs/ - "br" sound as in "brim", "i" sound as in "bit", "s" sound as in "sip".
American English:
IPA: /ˈhjuːbɹɪs/ OR /ˈubɾis/
Breakdown by syllable (for /ˈhjuːbɹɪs/):
Same as the British pronunciation for both syllables.
Breakdown by syllable (for /ˈubɾis/):
u: /u/ - Short "oo" sound as in "put".
bris: Same as the British pronunciation.
Word Form Variations
Hubris is a bit of a unique case. Here's the breakdown of its variations:
Singular: Hubris (This is the standard form you'll encounter most often)
Plural: While some dictionaries may list a plural form as "hubrises," it's very uncommon in everyday use. In most cases, you'd simply use the singular form "hubris" even when referring to multiple instances.
Adjective: There isn't a commonly used adjective form derived directly from "hubris." However, you can use phrases like "hubristic" (e.g., "a hubristic leader") to convey the idea of possessing hubris.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: Excessive pride or self-confidence that exceeds one's abilities or achievements. (Common, emphasises overblown self-importance)
Synonyms: arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, presumptuousness
Antonyms: humility, modesty, self-deprecation
Definition 2: Unwarranted confidence that leads to mistakes or downfalls. (Focuses on negative consequences)
Synonyms: overconfidence, recklessness, temerity
Antonyms: caution, prudence, wisdom
Note: Hubris does not have verb, adverb, or other common variations in everyday use. You can express similar ideas with verbs like "exude" or "display" (e.g., "He exuded hubris in his speech") or adverbs like "arrogantly" (e.g., "He behaved arrogantly").
Adjective (less common):
Hubristic: Displaying or characterised by hubris. (Formal)
Synonyms: arrogant, conceited, haughty, presumptuous
Antonyms: humble, modest, self-deprecating
Examples of Use
Literature:
Book: John Milton's Paradise Lost depicts Satan's rebellion against God as a prime example of hubris. Satan's belief in his own superiority leads to his downfall (Milton, Paradise Lost).
News/Online Publications:
Newspaper: A headline might read "CEO's Hubris Led to Company Collapse" after a leader's overconfidence in a risky venture results in disaster (Source: Hypothetical news headline).
Online Publication: An article criticizing a politician's foreign policy might mention their "hubristic assumption" of easy victory (Source: Hypothetical online article).
Entertainment Mediums:
Movie: In the superhero film Iron Man, Tony Stark's initial arrogance and disregard for consequences could be seen as a form of hubris, leading to his capture by terrorists (Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau).
Video Game: Many video game villains display hubris, believing themselves invincible until the protagonist defeats them.
Public Discourse:
Social Media: Online arguments often involve accusations of hubris, with people criticizing others for making overly confident or insensitive statements.
Politics: Politicians might accuse their opponents of hubris for underestimating the challenges of a particular situation.
General Conversation:
Informal setting: Someone might jokingly tell a friend, "Don't get too full of yourself after that win – a little hubris can go a long way."
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Hubris
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) - Bible (indirect reference to hubris)
"The gods envy the fearless." - Seneca, Roman Stoic philosopher (highlights the downfall of hubris)
"Beware of the barrenness of a busy life." - Socrates, Greek philosopher (connects hubris to excessive ambition)
"Success often breeds a degree of hubris." - Warren Buffett, American investor (points to the danger of hubris after achievement)
"Where there is great power, there is always danger of misuse." - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Austrian composer (warns about the misuse of power fueled by hubris)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates, Greek philosopher (emphasises the importance of humility over hubris)
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Acton, British historian (highlights the corrupting influence of hubris)
"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo, Italian sculptor and painter (warns against settling for mediocrity due to hubris)
"The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wit to grow up enough to understand them." - Carl Sagan, American astronomer (encourages curiosity and wonder as an antidote to hubris)
"Even the gods weep for Oedipus." - Sophocles, Greek playwright (expresses pity for a character brought down by hubris)
Etymology
The word "hubris" comes from ancient Greek, way back when people spoke a language different from ours. Back then, the word "hýbris" was used to describe actions that were way out of line. It wasn't just about being proud; it was about being so proud that you insulted or hurt others, or that you acted like you were better than the gods themselves.
Think of a bully who picks on someone weaker. That kind of arrogant and mean behaviour is what the ancient Greeks had in mind with "hýbris."
The English word "hubris" first showed up in writing around the 1880s. It was borrowed directly from the Greek, and it kept the same basic meaning – that kind of excessive pride that leads to trouble.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Hubris
While there aren't many common idioms directly using "hubris," here are some phrases that capture the essence of the word:
Fly too close to the sun: This idiom references the myth of Icarus, who flew with wings made of wax. His hubris led him to ignore warnings and fly too high, causing the wax to melt and leading to his fall. It signifies overconfidence leading to downfall.
Blinded by pride: This phrase describes someone whose excessive pride prevents them from seeing their own flaws or the potential consequences of their actions.
A fall from grace: This idiom refers to a sudden loss of status or reputation, often due to arrogance or misconduct. It highlights the potential consequences of hubris.
Pride comes before a fall: This proverb warns that excessive pride often leads to misfortune or humiliation.
To have a swelled head: This informal phrase describes someone who has become arrogant or conceited, often due to success.
Drunk on power: This idiom describes someone who has become arrogant and out of touch with reality due to their position of power. It connects hubris with the misuse of authority.
Posts Related to Hubris
Source Information
Definition of hubris from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
