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B1 noun 10 Min. Lesezeit

l'arrogance

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Erklärung l'arrogance in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'l'arrogance' as a word for someone who is 'too proud' in a bad way. You might learn it in the context of describing people's personalities. It is a feminine noun, so we say 'une arrogance'. At this stage, you don't need to use it in complex sentences. Just knowing that it is a negative trait is enough. For example, 'Il est arrogant' (He is arrogant) uses the adjective form, which is very similar to English. If you see the word 'arrogance' in a simple text, remember it means the quality of being arrogant. You can use it in very simple structures like 'C'est de l'arrogance' (That is arrogance). Focus on the fact that it sounds like the English word, which makes it easy to remember. However, remember the 'l'' at the beginning is because the word starts with a vowel. In French, we don't like to have two vowels together like 'la arrogance', so we shorten it to 'l'arrogance'. This is a basic rule you learn early on. You might also hear it when people talk about 'bad' characters in stories, like a mean king or a selfish person. Keep it simple and associate it with a 'thumb down' emoji or a negative feeling.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'l'arrogance' to describe people in more detail. You should be able to say things like 'Je n'aime pas son arrogance' (I don't like his/her arrogance). You are learning more about adjectives, so you can pair it with simple ones like 'grande' (big/great). 'Elle a une grande arrogance.' You should also notice how it is used with the verb 'avoir' (to have). Unlike English where we say 'He is arrogant', in French we often say 'Il a de l'arrogance' (He has arrogance). This is a common pattern for personality traits. You can also start to compare it with other words you know, like 'gentil' (kind) or 'timide' (shy). 'Il n'est pas timide, c'est de l'arrogance.' At this level, you should also practice the pronunciation of the nasal 'an' at the end of the word. It is a sound that doesn't exist in English, so it takes some practice. Try to say 'arro-gance' without letting your tongue touch the top of your mouth at the end. You might encounter this word in short readings about famous people or in descriptions of movie characters. It's a useful word for expressing your opinion about someone's behavior in a simple way.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use 'l'arrogance' in a variety of social and professional contexts. You should be able to explain *why* someone is being arrogant. For example, 'Son arrogance vient de son succès' (His arrogance comes from his success). You can use more advanced verbs like 'montrer' (to show) or 'dénoncer' (to denounce/criticize). 'Nous dénonçons l'arrogance de ce projet.' You should also be aware of the difference between 'l'arrogance' and 'la confiance' (confidence). A B1 learner should be able to participate in a discussion about personality and say 'Il y a une différence entre avoir confiance en soi et faire preuve d'arrogance.' You will start to see this word in news articles or more complex stories. You should also be comfortable using the feminine agreement for adjectives that describe arrogance, such as 'une arrogance insupportable' or 'une arrogance incroyable'. This is also a good time to learn the preposition 'envers' (toward) to specify who the arrogance is directed at. 'Son arrogance envers les autres est un problème.' At this level, the word becomes a tool for more nuanced social commentary and personal expression.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of 'l'arrogance' and its social implications in French-speaking cultures. you can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'l'arrogance du pouvoir' (the arrogance of power) or 'l'arrogance intellectuelle'. You should be able to use the word in formal writing, such as an essay or a formal letter, to criticize a certain behavior or policy. For instance, 'L'arrogance avec laquelle cette décision a été prise a choqué l'opinion publique.' You should also be familiar with synonyms like 'la suffisance' and be able to choose the most appropriate word based on the context. A B2 student can use 'l'arrogance' as a subject in complex sentences with relative clauses: 'L'arrogance dont il fait preuve finira par lui porter préjudice.' You should also understand the cultural nuances, such as why a certain behavior might be perceived as arrogant in France but perhaps not in your home country. Your pronunciation should be quite accurate, including the nasal vowels and the 'r' sound. You might encounter 'l'arrogance' in editorials, literature, and high-level business discussions. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a concept you can manipulate to build sophisticated arguments.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'l'arrogance' with stylistic precision. You can explore its literary and philosophical dimensions. You might discuss the 'hybris' (hubris) of Greek tragedy as a form of 'arrogance démesurée'. You should be able to use rare and sophisticated adjectives like 'olympienne', 'glaciale', or 'outrecuidante' to qualify the noun. For example, 'Elle affichait une arrogance olympienne, faisant fi de toutes les critiques.' You should also be able to analyze the use of 'l'arrogance' in classical French literature, such as in the plays of Racine or Molière, and explain how it serves the plot or character development. In professional or academic settings, you can use the word to describe complex organizational dynamics. You are expected to understand the subtle irony when a speaker uses 'arrogance' in a sarcastic way. Your mastery of the word includes knowing its exact place in the hierarchy of synonyms (morgue, dédain, suffisance, infatuation). You can write long, structured texts where 'l'arrogance' is a central theme, using varied sentence structures and perfect grammatical agreement. At this level, you are using the word like a native speaker, recognizing all its connotations and cultural baggage.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'l'arrogance' is exhaustive and includes its most subtle nuances in specialized domains like political science, sociology, and linguistics. You can engage in a high-level debate about whether 'l'arrogance' is a systemic trait in certain institutions or a purely individual one. You can use the word in highly formal, academic, or literary writing with perfect command of register. For example, you might write about 'la déconstruction de l'arrogance coloniale dans la littérature post-coloniale'. You are comfortable with archaic or highly specialized related terms like 'l'outrecuidance' or 'la superbe'. You can detect 'l'arrogance' in the subtext of a speech or a text, even when the word itself isn't used, by identifying linguistic markers of superiority. Your use of the word is idiomatic and culturally grounded; you understand the deep-seated French values (like 'la laïcité' or 'la méritocratie') that might collide with perceived 'arrogance'. You can provide a detailed etymological history of the word and its evolution in the French language. Essentially, you possess a total command of the word, allowing you to use it as a precise instrument for analysis, criticism, or artistic expression in any possible context.

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l'arrogance in 30 Sekunden

L'arrogance is a feminine noun meaning overbearing pride or a sense of superiority.
It is almost always negative in French and is used to criticize dismissive behavior.
Commonly paired with 'faire preuve de' and adjectives like 'insupportable' or 'démesurée'.
It differs from 'l'orgueil' (pride), which can sometimes be viewed positively.

The French noun l'arrogance is a powerful term used to describe a specific type of overbearing pride or a sense of superiority that manifests in one's behavior toward others. It is a feminine noun, always preceded by the elided article 'l'' or the feminine article 'une' or 'la'. In French culture, the concept of arrogance is often tied to intellectual or social status, and it is almost universally viewed as a negative trait. Unlike 'l'orgueil', which can sometimes refer to a healthy sense of self-respect or pride in one's work, 'l'arrogance' specifically denotes a lack of respect for others and an inflated sense of self-importance.

Social Context: In social interactions, 'l'arrogance' is often detected through non-verbal cues such as a condescending tone, a refusal to listen, or a dismissive gaze. It is frequently used in political discourse to criticize opponents who seem out of touch with the general public. For example, a politician might be accused of 'arrogance intellectuelle' if they use overly complex language to belittle their audience.
Professional Environment: In the workplace, 'l'arrogance' can be a career-killer. It describes a manager who refuses to take feedback or a colleague who takes credit for everyone else's work. The French value 'l'esprit d'équipe' (team spirit), and someone displaying 'une arrogance insupportable' is often marginalized within a team structure.

Son arrogance l'a empêché de voir ses propres erreurs avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.

Translation: His arrogance prevented him from seeing his own mistakes before it was too late.

Psychologically, 'l'arrogance' is often analyzed as a defense mechanism. In French literature, characters who exhibit this trait are often masking deep-seated insecurities. By placing themselves above others, they create a protective barrier. This nuance is important for learners to understand: when you call someone 'arrogant' in French, you are not just saying they are confident; you are suggesting they are overcompensating or being deliberately hurtful to others' feelings.

Literary Usage: In classic French theater, particularly in the works of Molière, 'l'arrogance' is a central theme. Characters like Alceste in 'Le Misanthrope' struggle with their perceived superiority over a hypocritical society, leading to a complex portrayal of how arrogance can isolate an individual.

Il traitait tout le monde avec une arrogance royale, comme s'il était le seul maître à bord.

Ultimately, 'l'arrogance' is about the 'moi' (the self) taking up too much space. It is the opposite of 'l'humilité' and 'la modestie'. When learning this word, remember that it is a 'vilain défaut' (a nasty flaw). Using it correctly requires understanding the emotional weight it carries in French conversations, where balance and social harmony are highly prized.

Using l'arrogance correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the common verbs and adjectives that accompany it. Because it starts with a vowel, the definite article 'la' becomes 'l'', and the indefinite article 'une' remains 'une'. It is rarely used in the plural, as it describes an abstract quality.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs used with 'arrogance' include faire preuve de (to show/demonstrate), manifester (to manifest), and dégager (to give off). For example: 'Il fait preuve d'une arrogance incroyable' (He shows incredible arrogance). You can also use blâmer or dénoncer when criticizing someone's behavior.
Adjective Modifiers: To describe the intensity of the arrogance, French speakers use adjectives like démesurée (excessive), insupportable (unbearable), naturelle (natural), or méprisante (scornful). Note that these adjectives must agree in gender with the feminine noun 'arrogance'.

Son arrogance démesurée a fini par lasser ses plus fidèles alliés.

In complex sentences, 'l'arrogance' often acts as the subject that causes a specific outcome. 'L'arrogance de ce chef d'entreprise a mené la société à la faillite' (The arrogance of this CEO led the company to bankruptcy). It can also be the object of a preposition, such as 'avec' or 'par'. 'Il a répondu avec une certaine arrogance' (He answered with a certain arrogance).

Comparing Traits: You will often see 'l'arrogance' contrasted with other traits in a single sentence to emphasize a point. 'Il y a une fine ligne entre l'assurance et l'arrogance' (There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance). This is a common phrase in personal development and leadership contexts.

Ne confondez pas la confiance en soi avec l'arrogance.

When writing, ensure that you use the correct preposition after 'arrogance' if you are specifying the target of the behavior. Usually, we use 'envers' (toward). 'Son arrogance envers ses subordonnés est bien connue' (His arrogance toward his subordinates is well known). This structure is essential for B2 and C1 level writing to show a mastery of relational prepositions.

You will encounter l'arrogance in various spheres of French life, ranging from high-stakes political debates to casual conversations at a café. It is a word that French people use to express a specific kind of irritation. In the media, it is a frequent label for public figures who seem disconnected from reality.

Political Debates: During televised debates, if a candidate cuts off their opponent or smiles condescendingly while the other is speaking, commentators the next day will likely mention their 'arrogance'. It is a powerful political weapon; accusing an opponent of 'l'arrogance du pouvoir' (the arrogance of power) suggests they have forgotten who they serve.
Sports Journalism: In the world of football (soccer) or tennis, athletes who are overly confident before a match are often described as having 'une certaine arrogance'. If they lose, the headlines might read 'Le prix de l'arrogance' (The price of arrogance). It serves as a moral lesson in the narrative of sports.

Les journalistes ont critiqué l'arrogance de l'entraîneur après la défaite de son équipe.

In everyday life, you might hear a friend say, 'J'ai détesté son arrogance' after a bad date or a difficult meeting with a salesperson. It is a common way to vent about someone who made you feel small. In French cinema, the 'arrogant' character is a staple, often portrayed as a wealthy business person or a pretentious artist who eventually gets their comeuppance.

Literature and Philosophy: Philosophical essays often discuss 'l'arrogance de l'homme' in relation to nature or technology. This usage is more abstract, referring to the human tendency to believe we can control everything. Reading 'Le Monde' or 'Le Figaro' will expose you to this more formal and intellectual use of the word.

L'écrivain dénonce dans son dernier livre l'arrogance des élites face à la crise sociale.

Whether in a heated argument or a sophisticated editorial, 'l'arrogance' is a word that signals a breach of the social contract of mutual respect. By listening for it in these different contexts, you will begin to grasp the multi-layered ways French speakers use it to define boundaries of acceptable behavior.

While l'arrogance is a cognate of the English 'arrogance', there are several pitfalls that English speakers should avoid to ensure their French sounds natural and accurate. These mistakes range from grammatical gender errors to subtle semantic missteps.

Gender Confusion: One of the most frequent mistakes is treating 'arrogance' as a masculine noun. Because it starts with a vowel, the article 'l'' hides the gender, but any accompanying adjectives must be feminine. Saying 'un arrogance' is incorrect; it must be 'une arrogance'. Similarly, 'son arrogance est grand' is wrong; it should be 'son arrogance est grande'.
Overuse as a Synonym for Confidence: In some English contexts, 'arrogant' might be used loosely to mean 'very confident'. In French, this is rarely the case. Using 'arrogance' to describe a successful, self-assured person you admire would be a mistake. Use 'assurance' or 'confiance en soi' instead. 'L'arrogance' always implies a negative moral judgment.

Incorrect: Il a un arrogance naturel.
Correct: Il a une arrogance naturelle.

Another common mistake involves the pronunciation of the nasal 'an'. English speakers often pronounce the 'n' too clearly, making it sound like 'air-oh-gance'. In French, the 'an' is a nasal vowel where the air comes through the nose and the mouth, and the tongue should not touch the roof of the mouth for the 'n'.

Preposition Errors: When describing who the arrogance is directed toward, learners often use 'à' or 'pour'. The correct preposition is usually 'envers' or 'vis-à-vis de'. 'Son arrogance envers ses parents' is the standard way to express 'his arrogance toward his parents'.

Elle a été choquée par l'arrogance de sa réponse vis-à-vis de la question posée.

Finally, avoid confusing 'arrogance' with 'orgueil'. While both relate to pride, 'orgueil' is a deeper, more internal character trait that can sometimes be noble (e.g., 'l'orgueil national'), whereas 'arrogance' is always an externalized, negative behavior. Mastering these distinctions will significantly elevate your French proficiency.

To truly master the concept of l'arrogance, it is helpful to explore its synonyms and related terms. French has a rich vocabulary for describing various shades of pride and superiority, each with its own specific register and nuance.

La Suffisance: This word describes a person who is 'full of themselves' or smug. While 'arrogance' is often aggressive, 'la suffisance' is more about a quiet, satisfied sense of superiority. Someone with 'suffisance' thinks they know everything and doesn't need anyone else's input.
La Morgue: In a literary or very formal context, 'la morgue' refers to a cold, haughty arrogance. It is the attitude of an aristocrat looking down on a commoner. It is much stronger and more formal than 'arrogance'.
Le Dédain: This means 'disdain' or 'scorn'. It is often the result of arrogance. When you treat someone with 'dédain', you are showing them that you think they are beneath you.

Au lieu de répondre, il a simplement affiché une suffisance exaspérante.

For more informal situations, you might use the adjective 'prétentieux' (pretentious) or 'crâneur' (show-off). 'La prétention' is the noun form, and it is very common in spoken French to describe someone who acts like they are more important than they really are. If someone is showing off their wealth or skills, they are 'en train de crâner'.

L'Orgueil: As mentioned before, this is 'pride'. It can be 'un noble orgueil' (noble pride) or a 'péché d'orgueil' (sin of pride). Unlike 'arrogance', which is always a social failing, 'orgueil' can be an internal strength or a deadly sin, depending on the context.

Son orgueil l'empêche de demander de l'aide, alors que son arrogance fait fuir ceux qui voudraient lui en donner.

In summary, while 'l'arrogance' is your go-to word for overbearing pride, being aware of 'la suffisance', 'la morgue', and 'l'orgueil' allows you to be much more precise in your descriptions of human behavior. Choosing the right word depends on the level of formality and the specific 'flavor' of the superiority being displayed.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'arrogance' entered the French language in the 12th century. It has maintained its core meaning of 'claiming superiority' for nearly 900 years.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /a.ʁɔ.ɡɑ̃s/

US /a.ʁɔ.ɡɑ̃s/

Stress is evenly distributed in French, but there is a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'gance'.

Reimt sich auf

élégance vengeance chance danse vacance espérance confiance patience

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'ay' (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the 'n' in 'gance' clearly (it must be nasalized).
Using the English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Stressing the first syllable like in English 'AR-rogance'.
Failing to elide the 'l'' properly with the following 'a'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of the English word.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires careful attention to feminine adjective agreement and nasal pronunciation.

Sprechen 4/5

Nasal 'an' and uvular 'r' can be challenging for beginners.

Hören 3/5

Needs to be distinguished from similar sounding words in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

orgueil fier prétentieux humilité défaut

Als Nächstes lernen

mépris condescendance suffisance altérité empathie

Fortgeschritten

outrecuidance infatuation morgue superbe hybris

Wichtige Grammatik

Abstract Nouns and Articles

L'arrogance (definite) vs De l'arrogance (partitive).

Feminine Adjective Agreement

Une arrogance insupportable (not insupportable is neutral, but 'grande' would be 'grande').

Nasal Vowels

The 'an' in arrogance is the same nasal sound as in 'maman'.

Elision

La + arrogance becomes L'arrogance.

Prepositions with Personality Traits

Arrogance envers quelqu'un.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Il a de l'arrogance.

He has arrogance.

Uses 'de l'' (partitive article) because arrogance is abstract.

C'est une grande arrogance.

It is a great arrogance.

Arrogance is feminine, so we use 'grande'.

L'arrogance est mauvaise.

Arrogance is bad.

Abstract nouns take the definite article 'L''.

Elle n'aime pas l'arrogance.

She does not like arrogance.

Negative structure 'ne...pas' around the verb 'aime'.

Quelle arrogance !

What arrogance!

Exclamative 'Quel/Quelle' agrees with feminine 'arrogance'.

Son arrogance est un problème.

His/Her arrogance is a problem.

Possessive 'Son' is used because 'arrogance' starts with a vowel, even though it's feminine.

Il parle avec arrogance.

He speaks with arrogance.

'Avec' is a preposition followed by the noun.

C'est de l'arrogance pure.

It is pure arrogance.

Adjective 'pure' follows the feminine noun.

Je déteste l'arrogance de ce garçon.

I hate this boy's arrogance.

'De ce garçon' shows possession.

Elle a une arrogance naturelle.

She has a natural arrogance.

Adjective 'naturelle' agrees with feminine noun.

Pourquoi tant d'arrogance ?

Why so much arrogance?

'Tant de' is an adverb of quantity followed by the noun.

Son arrogance cache sa peur.

His arrogance hides his fear.

Third person singular verb 'cache'.

Il montre trop d'arrogance au travail.

He shows too much arrogance at work.

'Trop de' is used for 'too much'.

L'arrogance ne rend pas heureux.

Arrogance does not make one happy.

A general truth in the present tense.

Elle a perdu ses amis par son arrogance.

She lost her friends through her arrogance.

'Par' indicates cause or means.

L'arrogance est un vilain défaut.

Arrogance is a nasty flaw.

A common French proverb structure.

Il fait preuve d'une arrogance insupportable.

He shows unbearable arrogance.

The idiom 'faire preuve de' (to show/demonstrate).

L'arrogance de ce politicien est choquante.

This politician's arrogance is shocking.

Adjective 'choquante' agrees with 'arrogance'.

Vous devez éviter toute forme d'arrogance.

You must avoid all forms of arrogance.

'Toute forme de' is a common phrase.

Son arrogance envers ses collègues est connue.

His arrogance toward his colleagues is known.

Preposition 'envers' (toward/to).

Ne confondez pas confiance et arrogance.

Don't confuse confidence and arrogance.

Imperative form 'confondez'.

L'arrogance peut détruire une carrière.

Arrogance can destroy a career.

The modal verb 'peut' (can/may).

Elle a répondu avec une certaine arrogance.

She replied with a certain arrogance.

'Une certaine' adds nuance to the noun.

L'arrogance est souvent un signe de faiblesse.

Arrogance is often a sign of weakness.

Adverb 'souvent' placed after the verb.

Son arrogance démesurée a causé sa perte.

His excessive arrogance caused his downfall.

Adjective 'démesurée' is common in higher registers.

Il traite tout le monde avec une arrogance méprisante.

He treats everyone with a scornful arrogance.

Adjective 'méprisante' (scornful).

L'arrogance intellectuelle est un frein au dialogue.

Intellectual arrogance is a barrier to dialogue.

Compound subject 'L'arrogance intellectuelle'.

Elle a été critiquée pour l'arrogance de ses propos.

She was criticized for the arrogance of her remarks.

Passive voice 'a été critiquée'.

On sent une pointe d'arrogance dans sa voix.

One feels a hint of arrogance in his voice.

The idiom 'une pointe de' (a hint/touch of).

L'arrogance des vainqueurs est parfois difficile à supporter.

The arrogance of the winners is sometimes hard to bear.

Plural possessive 'des vainqueurs'.

Il ne faut pas laisser l'arrogance s'installer.

We must not let arrogance settle in.

Pronominal verb 's'installer'.

L'arrogance est l'ennemie de la sagesse.

Arrogance is the enemy of wisdom.

Metaphorical sentence structure.

Il affichait une arrogance olympienne lors du procès.

He displayed an Olympian arrogance during the trial.

Adjective 'olympienne' (detached/lofty).

L'arrogance du pouvoir peut aveugler les dirigeants.

The arrogance of power can blind leaders.

Complex subject with 'pouvoir' as a noun.

Sa morgue et son arrogance ont fini par l'isoler.

His haughtiness and arrogance eventually isolated him.

Using the synonym 'morgue' for emphasis.

Rien ne justifie une telle arrogance vis-à-vis des démunis.

Nothing justifies such arrogance toward the destitute.

Prepositional phrase 'vis-à-vis de'.

L'arrogance dont il fait preuve est proprement révoltante.

The arrogance he shows is truly revolting.

Relative clause with 'dont'.

Elle a dénoncé l'arrogance systémique de l'institution.

She denounced the systemic arrogance of the institution.

Adjective 'systémique' (systemic).

L'arrogance est le masque de l'ignorance.

Arrogance is the mask of ignorance.

A philosophical aphorism.

Il y a une certaine arrogance à vouloir tout contrôler.

There is a certain arrogance in wanting to control everything.

Infinitive clause 'à vouloir tout contrôler'.

L'outrecuidance de son arrogance défie toute logique.

The audacity of his arrogance defies all logic.

Using 'outrecuidance' to intensify 'arrogance'.

On ne saurait tolérer une telle arrogance au sein de notre académie.

One cannot tolerate such arrogance within our academy.

Formal 'ne saurait' (cannot).

L'arrogance est souvent le corollaire d'une ascension sociale trop rapide.

Arrogance is often the corollary of a social rise that is too rapid.

Noun 'corollaire' (consequence/result).

Son arrogance s'est muée en une forme de mépris glacial.

His arrogance transformed into a form of icy contempt.

Pronominal verb 'se muer' (to transform).

L'arrogance de l'Occident a été longuement analysée par les historiens.

Western arrogance has been analyzed at length by historians.

Passive voice in a historical context.

Il fait montre d'une arrogance qui confine à l'insolence.

He shows an arrogance that borders on insolence.

The literary expression 'faire montre de' and 'confiner à'.

L'arrogance est le propre de ceux qui n'ont rien à offrir d'autre.

Arrogance is the characteristic of those who have nothing else to offer.

The idiom 'être le propre de' (to be characteristic of).

L'arrogance de sa réponse n'avait d'égale que sa vacuité.

The arrogance of his answer was matched only by its emptiness.

The structure 'n'avoir d'égal que' (to be matched only by).

Häufige Kollokationen

faire preuve d'arrogance

une arrogance démesurée

l'arrogance du pouvoir

une arrogance insupportable

une pointe d'arrogance

l'arrogance intellectuelle

l'arrogance des élites

manifester de l'arrogance

une arrogance naturelle

le prix de l'arrogance

Häufige Phrasen

Quelle arrogance !

— An exclamation of shock or annoyance at someone's behavior.

Il ne m'a même pas salué. Quelle arrogance !

L'arrogance ne mène à rien.

— A general moral statement that being arrogant is counterproductive.

Reste humble, l'arrogance ne mène à rien.

Avoir une certaine arrogance.

— To possess a recognizable but perhaps not extreme level of pride.

On lui reproche d'avoir une certaine arrogance.

Une réponse pleine d'arrogance.

— A response that is entirely characterized by pride and dismissal.

Sa réponse pleine d'arrogance a choqué l'assemblée.

L'arrogance est un vilain défaut.

— A common French saying used to teach children about personality.

Ne sois pas si fier, l'arrogance est un vilain défaut.

L'arrogance des vainqueurs.

— The tendency of those who win to look down on those who lose.

Il faut éviter l'arrogance des vainqueurs après le match.

Trancher avec arrogance.

— To make a decision in a swift, authoritative, and dismissive way.

Le juge a tranché avec arrogance.

Afficher une arrogance.

— To deliberately show or display an arrogant attitude to others.

Elle affiche une arrogance qui déplaît à tout le monde.

L'arrogance du débutant.

— The overconfidence sometimes shown by people who are new to a field.

C'est l'arrogance du débutant qui croit tout savoir.

L'arrogance de l'ignorance.

— The idea that the less one knows, the more arrogant they might be.

C'est l'arrogance de l'ignorance à son paroxysme.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

l'arrogance vs l'orgueil

Orgueil can be positive (pride in work); arrogance is always negative.

l'arrogance vs l'assurance

Assurance is confidence; arrogance is overconfidence with a lack of respect.

l'arrogance vs la fierté

Fierté is pride (often positive); arrogance is a character flaw.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Avoir les chevilles qui enflent"

— Literal: To have ankles that swell. Figurative: To become arrogant or full of oneself.

Depuis qu'il a été promu, il a les chevilles qui enflent.

Informal

"Se croire sorti de la cuisse de Jupiter"

— Literal: To think one came from Jupiter's thigh. Figurative: To think one is exceptionally important or superior.

Il se croit sorti de la cuisse de Jupiter depuis son succès.

Neutral/Informal

"Péter plus haut que son cul"

— Literal: To fart higher than one's ass. Figurative: To be extremely pretentious or arrogant.

Celui-là, il pète plus haut que son cul !

Slang/Vulgar

"Prendre les gens de haut"

— Literal: To take people from above. Figurative: To treat people with condescension or arrogance.

Elle prend toujours les gens de haut au bureau.

Neutral

"Avoir la grosse tête"

— Literal: To have a big head. Figurative: To be arrogant or overconfident.

Fais attention à ne pas prendre la grosse tête.

Informal

"Se moucher du coude"

— Literal: To blow one's nose with one's elbow. Figurative: To be very pretentious or arrogant (usually negative).

Il ne se mouche pas du coude, celui-là !

Informal/Old-fashioned

"Être imbu de sa personne"

— Literal: To be imbued with one's person. Figurative: To be extremely full of oneself and arrogant.

Il est tellement imbu de sa personne qu'il n'écoute personne.

Neutral/Formal

"Regarder de haut en bas"

— Literal: To look from top to bottom. Figurative: To look at someone with disdain or arrogance.

Elle m'a regardé de haut en bas sans dire un mot.

Neutral

"Se hausser du col"

— Literal: To raise one's collar. Figurative: To act proud or arrogant, to try to look important.

Il se hausse du col dès qu'il y a des caméras.

Informal

"Faire son malin"

— Literal: To do one's clever. Figurative: To show off or act in an arrogant, clever way.

Arrête de faire ton malin devant tout le monde.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

l'arrogance vs Arrogant (Adjective)

Similar spelling and sound.

Arrogant describes the person; arrogance is the quality itself.

Il est arrogant (Adj). Son arrogance est visible (Noun).

l'arrogance vs Suffisance

Often used as a synonym.

Suffisance is more about self-satisfaction; arrogance is more about superiority over others.

Il sourit avec suffisance.

l'arrogance vs Morgue

In English, a morgue is where dead bodies are kept.

In French, it also means a haughty, arrogant attitude.

Il nous traite avec morgue.

l'arrogance vs Prétention

Both imply superiority.

Prétention is acting more important than you are; arrogance is assuming you *are* superior.

Quelle prétention de sa part !

l'arrogance vs Outrecuidance

Both mean arrogance.

Outrecuidance is more formal and implies a shocking level of boldness.

C'est d'une outrecuidance rare !

Satzmuster

C'est de l'arrogance.

Il ne dit pas bonjour ? C'est de l'arrogance.

Il a une [adjectif] arrogance.

Il a une grande arrogance.

Faire preuve de + arrogance.

Il fait preuve d'arrogance.

L'arrogance de [nom] est [adjectif].

L'arrogance de ce chef est insupportable.

Rien ne justifie une telle arrogance.

Rien ne justifie une telle arrogance de sa part.

L'arrogance dont il fait montre...

L'arrogance dont il fait montre est choquante.

Confondre [A] et [B].

Il ne faut pas confondre assurance et arrogance.

Une pointe de + arrogance.

Il y avait une pointe d'arrogance dans sa voix.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

arrogance

Verben

s'arroger

Adjektive

arrogant

arrogante

Verwandt

orgueil

prétention

suffisance

dédain

mépris

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High in media, politics, and social descriptions.

Häufige Fehler

Un arrogance → Une arrogance
Arrogance is a feminine noun. The 'l'' hides the gender, but with 'une' it becomes clear.
Il est arrogance → Il est arrogant / Il a de l'arrogance
You cannot use the noun directly with 'être' to describe a person; you must use the adjective or the verb 'avoir'.
Son arrogance est grand → Son arrogance est grande
The adjective 'grand' must agree with the feminine noun 'arrogance'.
Arrogance pour lui → Arrogance envers lui
The correct preposition to use after 'arrogance' when directed at a person is 'envers'.
Pronouncing the 'n' in arrogance → Using a nasal 'an' sound
The 'n' should not be heard as a consonant; it should nasalize the preceding vowel.

Tipps

Watch the Adjectives

Since 'arrogance' is feminine, always check that your adjectives agree. For example, 'une arrogance démesurée' needs the 'e' at the end of the adjective.

The Parisian Stereotype

Be aware that 'arrogance' is often used as a stereotype for people from Paris. Using this word can sometimes carry regional connotations in France.

Use 'Faire preuve de'

This is the most natural-sounding verb to use with 'arrogance'. Instead of saying 'Il a de l'arrogance', try 'Il fait preuve d'une arrogance incroyable'.

Nasal Vowels

Practice the 'an' sound by saying 'maman' or 'enfant'. The sound in 'arrogance' is exactly the same. Don't pronounce the 'n'!

Confidence vs. Arrogance

In French business culture, it's very important to distinguish between these two. Being 'arrogant' is a major faux pas, while having 'assurance' is valued.

Vary your Synonyms

If you are writing an essay, use 'la suffisance' for a smug person and 'la morgue' for a very formal, cold person to show off your vocabulary.

Listen for Elision

The 'l'' in 'l'arrogance' is elided. In fast speech, it sounds like one word. Practice hearing the 'l' sound at the start.

Latin Roots

Remembering that it comes from 'arrogare' (to claim) can help you remember the meaning: claiming a status you don't deserve.

Ankles Swelling

Learn the idiom 'avoir les chevilles qui enflent' to describe arrogance in a more colorful, informal way.

Avoid 'Un Arrogance'

This is a common mistake. Even though it starts with a vowel, it is 'une arrogance'. Never use 'un'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of an 'Arrow' (Arro-) pointing 'Gance' (like 'glance') upward. An arrogant person is always looking up at themselves and down on others.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a peacock with its feathers spread wide, blocking everyone else's view. That is 'l'arrogance'.

Word Web

Orgueil Morgue Mépris Supériorité Hautain Condescendant Prétentieux Suffisant

Herausforderung

Try to use 'l'arrogance' in a sentence about a fictional villain today. Then, try to use its antonym 'l'humilité' in a sentence about a hero.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin 'arrogantia', which comes from the verb 'arrogare' (to claim for oneself). This is composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'rogare' (to ask).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The act of claiming more than one is entitled to, or asking for something without right.

Romance (Latin root)

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when calling someone 'arrogant' in French. It is a strong insult and can permanently damage a relationship. It is better to use it to describe a behavior ('C'est arrogant') rather than the person directly.

English speakers often use 'arrogance' in a similar way, but in French, the word is even more socially isolating. It is a very serious criticism in a culture that values 'la politesse' (politeness).

Molière's characters often display 'une arrogance comique'. Napoleon Bonaparte is frequently discussed in terms of his 'arrogance militaire'. The film 'Le Prénom' features a character whose 'arrogance intellectuelle' causes a family conflict.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

In a political debate

L'arrogance du candidat
Une réponse arrogante
Le mépris des électeurs
L'arrogance du pouvoir

In a job interview

Éviter l'arrogance
Confiance vs Arrogance
Esprit d'équipe
Humble réussite

When describing a book character

Un héros arrogant
L'arrogance de l'aristocratie
La chute de l'arrogant
Un ton condescendant

In a personal argument

Ton arrogance m'énerve
Arrête d'être arrogant
Tu me prends de haut
Un manque de respect

In psychological analysis

L'arrogance comme défense
Le complexe de supériorité
Le narcissisme
L'ego surdimensionné

Gesprächseinstiege

"Penses-tu que l'arrogance est toujours un défaut, ou peut-elle être utile parfois ?"

"As-tu déjà rencontré quelqu'un dont l'arrogance était vraiment insupportable ?"

"Quelle est la différence pour toi entre la confiance en soi et l'arrogance ?"

"Est-ce que l'arrogance est perçue de la même manière dans ton pays qu'en France ?"

"Penses-tu que les réseaux sociaux encouragent l'arrogance chez les jeunes ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une situation où vous avez fait preuve d'arrogance et ce que vous avez appris de cette expérience.

Analysez l'arrogance d'un personnage célèbre ou historique. Comment cela a-t-il influencé son destin ?

Pourquoi l'arrogance est-elle souvent considérée comme le contraire de la sagesse ? Développez votre pensée.

Comment peut-on rester humble tout en ayant beaucoup de succès dans la vie ?

Imaginez un dialogue entre une personne très arrogante et une personne très humble. Que se disent-elles ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is a feminine noun. Even though we say 'l'arrogance' (elided), we say 'une arrogance' or 'l'arrogance est grande'. Always treat it as feminine when adding adjectives.

Orgueil is an internal feeling of pride that can be positive or negative. Arrogance is an external behavior that is always negative and implies looking down on others.

No, 'arrogance' is strictly negative in French. If you want to compliment someone's confidence, use 'assurance' or 'confiance en soi'.

It is a nasal vowel. Open your mouth slightly, and let the air escape through both your nose and mouth. Do not let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.

Common adjectives include 'insupportable' (unbearable), 'démesurée' (excessive), 'intellectuelle' (intellectual), and 'naturelle' (natural).

Yes, it is very common, especially in political commentary and in describing social interactions where someone is acting superior.

The most common opposites are 'l'humilité' (humility) and 'la modestie' (modesty).

You can say 'Il fait preuve d'arrogance' or 'Il manifeste de l'arrogance'.

It is very rare to use it in the plural. Usually, it is treated as an uncountable abstract quality.

In French, we use 'son' instead of 'sa' before feminine nouns that start with a vowel or a silent 'h' to avoid a hiatus (vowel clash).

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