Bigheaded

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting an exaggerated sense of self-importance or arrogance
2. Showing unwarranted pride or an inflated view of one's abilities
3. Displaying a strong impression of superiority or conceit

Etymology: "Bigheaded" is simply an alternative spelling of "big-headed," so the word is best understood by looking at its two parts. "Big" is an ordinary English adjective of Germanic descent meaning large in size, while "head" is one of the oldest words in the language, referring to the part of the body that holds the brain. Joined together, they form a compound that describes the head as swollen, and by extension a person whose opinion of themselves has swollen too. The metaphor is a familiar one. English has long pictured conceit as a kind of inflation, so that someone who is vain or overly pleased with themselves is said to have become "big-headed," as if their self-regard had grown until it filled their skull. The same logic appears in other expressions that link the head with excessive pride or ego.

Synonyms: conceited, arrogant, haughty, proud, egotistical

Antonyms: humble, modest, self-effacing, unassuming, humility