Make Your Point > Archived Issues > HUBRIS

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explore the archives: People's hubris (over-the-top confidence or pride) often coincides with their h__teur (a high-and-mighty attitude of acting superior to other people). Speaking of h-words for our worst qualities, you might say that someone's hubris is his or her h___tia: the character flaw that ultimately leads to failure. We should use all these words with caution. They're judgmental. make your point with... "HUBRIS" In Greek myths, people who had hubris had the foolish arrogance or overconfidence to challenge the gods, causing those gods to punish them. Today, hubris is way too much pride or way too much confidence. (Either way, it's a foolish, dangerous thing.) Pronunciation: HYOO briss Part of speech: Uncountable noun. (Like "milk," "rice," and "education," uncountable nouns are words for stuff that can’t be broken into exact units. You talk about "some milk," "the rice," and "a lot of education," but you don’t say "a milk," "three rices," or "many educations." Likewise, talk about "the hubris," "such hubris," "no hubris," and so on, but don’t say "hubrises.") Other forms: Hubristic, hubristically. "Hybris" is an alternate spelling of "hubris." How to use it: When you pick "hubris" instead of "arrogance," "overconfidence," or "excessive pride," you're strongly implying two things: first, that the overly proud or overly confident person is so presumptive and foolish that it's as if he's defying the gods or even trying to become a god, and second, that the result will likely be punishment or failure of some sort. Talk about someone's hubris or the hubris of someone, or the hubris in (or of) someone's tone, speech, or actions. Or, talk about how it's hubris to do or believe something, or how someone has the hubris to do or believe something: "It's hubris to believe you'll always coast by on your looks." "She had the hubris to order business cards with her new title before she was offered the position." You can display hubris, embrace hubris, shun hubris, punish hubris, ridicule hubris, and so on, or talk about the menace of hubris; the heights of hubris; or some action, belief, or statement that smacks of hubris. And you might talk about certain types: corporate hubris, imperial hubris, journalistic hubris, political hubris, scientific hubris, etc. examples: The later books in the Harry Potter series did get a bit lengthy, but I disagree with the critics who accused Rowling of hubris--of becoming so famous and successful that she brushed aside her editors' suggestions for trimming the stories.  You can always complain, perhaps accurately, that any presidential candidate is consumed by hubris. But then, who would even run for that office if they didn't think they could fix the entire nation? study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "hubris" means when you can explain it without saying "deadly pride" or "foolish, baseless confidence." try it out: Think of a time you felt confident. Fill in the blanks: "I was pretty sure that _____, but it would be hubris to assume _____." Example: "I was pretty sure that I could fix my computer's audio problem, but it would be hubris to assume I could do it easily, quickly, or without help from Google." before you review: Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. This month, we're playing "You Know, That Thing!" This game challenges your powers of recall. Start a timer: twenty seconds if you're an adult, longer if you're a kid or an English language learner. Read the description of each thing, and come up with its name. Try to name all three before your timer runs out. (Scroll all the way down for the answers.) Ready? Go! 1. The obligation we have to serve on a jury, or the actual serving on a jury, is… 2. The method of singing notes that are really too high for us is… 3. The break between sections of a play or concert is the… review today's word: 1. The opposite of HUBRIS is A. TRANQUILITY (BEING CALM) B. HUMILITY (BEING HUMBLE) C. FUTILITY (BEING USELESS) 2. The actor's hubris led him to _____, and eventually to _____. A. answer children's letters .. visit them, in costume, in the hospital B. ignore the director's suggestions .. find himself out of work C. a series of acting classes .. more diverse roles Answers are below. a final word: To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. B 2. B Answers to game questions: 1. jury duty (or jury service) 2. falsetto 3. intermission