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Hubris

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means excessive pride or self-confidence

Where does the word "hubris" come from? It comes from Greek hybris, adopted directly into English (1880s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
hybris
Greek · ancient
"arrogance, outrage"
insolent violence or arrogance; in Athenian law it was a crime, and in tragedy it brings on a hero's downfall
2
Stage 2 of 2
hubris
English · 1880s
"excessive pride"
taken up as academic slang at British universities, then in general use
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Read the full story

Hubris’s story begins in Greek: hybris meant “arrogance, outrage.” Insolent violence or arrogance; in Athenian law it was a crime, and in tragedy it brings on a hero's downfall. It reached English by 1880s as hubris. Taken up as academic slang at British universities, then in general use. Today, hubris means excessive pride or self-confidence.