Proud means feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction because of your own achievements, the achievements of someone close to you, or qualities you value. It can also describe someone who seems overly pleased with themselves.
From Old English *prūt* 'brave, valiant', influenced by Old French *prud* 'proud, valiant'. It originally had a stronger sense of courage and dignity.
Pride started out closer to 'noble bravery' than to arrogance. That’s why we can talk about 'healthy pride' in who you are, and also warn about pride that grows so big it blocks learning and connection.
Expressions of pride have been policed differently across genders, with women often discouraged from overt pride in achievements and men sometimes discouraged from expressing pride in emotional or caregiving roles. In addition, "pride" is central to LGBTQ+ movements, where gender and sexuality intersect.
Use "proud" to affirm achievements and identities across genders; avoid implying that pride is more appropriate for some genders than others.
["glad","satisfied","honored"]
Recognize that women and gender-diverse people claiming pride in their work, identities, and movements has been an important act of resistance against norms demanding modesty or invisibility.
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