Priding

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹaɪdɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The state of taking delight in one's own accomplishments or qualities
2. The feeling of self-respect or esteem that arises from personal achievements or characteristics
3. Feeling a deep satisfaction from recognizing one's own strengths or successes

Etymology: "Priding" is simply the present participle and gerund of the verb "pride," so its history is really the history of the verb itself. The noun came into Middle English as "pryde," from Old English "prȳde" and "prȳte," which were formed from the adjective "prūd," meaning "proud." Old Norse "prýði," meaning "bravery" or "pomp," shows the same root, so the family of words was already widespread among the early Germanic languages. The verb grew out of the noun and has been in use since at least the 12th century. Because "pride" came first as a noun, "priding" follows that older pattern: it names the act of holding oneself in that proud regard, and the "-ing" ending simply turns the verb into a continuous action or a thing done.

Synonyms: boasting, taking pride, glorying, reveling, exulting

Antonyms: humbling, shaming, disgracing, belittling, diminishing