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Meaning & use

very proud

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌveri ˈpraʊd/
US/ˌveri ˈpraʊd/

Meanings

  1. adjectiveafter a verb

    feeling very pleased about something you or someone connected to you has done, or about a quality you have.

    Grammar: Usually follows a linking verb such as 'be', 'feel', or 'seem': I am very proud. It is often followed by 'of': very proud of someone.

    Patterns

    • be very proud of someone/something
    • feel very proud
    • very proud that ...
    • very proud to do something

    I felt very proud when my daughter won the spelling competition.

    She is very proud of her garden and works in it every weekend.

    He was very proud to be chosen as team captain.

  2. adjectiveafter a verbdisapproving

    having too high an opinion of yourself or refusing to admit mistakes; often showing a sense of superiority.

    Grammar: Often used after 'be' or 'seem' and can sound disapproving: He is very proud and never says sorry.

    Patterns

    • be very proud
    • seem very proud
    • too very proud

    He is very proud and refuses to ask for help even when he needs it.

    She seemed very proud, as if the mistake could not possibly be hers.

Common combinations

very proud of
They are very proud of their son's progress at school.
very proud to
I am very proud to introduce our new manager.
feel very proud
You should feel very proud of what you have achieved.
very proud parent
The very proud parent took photos at the graduation.

Synonyms and how they differ

pleased
Softer and more general; 'very proud' suggests stronger satisfaction, often about an achievement.
delighted
Shows great happiness; 'very proud' focuses on pride in an achievement or quality.
arrogant
Strongly disapproving and means acting superior; the second sense of 'very proud' is milder but can also be critical.

Opposites

ashamedhumble

Word family

proud adjective
Feeling pleased about an achievement; 'very proud' adds emphasis.
proudly adverb
In a proud way; showing pride.
pride noun
A feeling of pleasure about an achievement, or too high an opinion of yourself.

Commonly confused: very proud or proud of?

very proud vs proud of

Do not confuse 'proud of' with 'proud for'. Use 'of' before the person or thing that causes the pride: proud of her work.

Practice

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