WordGarden.iooverweening
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌəʊvəwˈiːnɪŋ/
US
- /oʊvərˈwinɪŋ/adjective
Meanings
Adjective
excessively arrogant or presumptuously self-important
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tiny chihuahua trying to boss around a Great Dane – that's overweening confidence! It describes someone who has an exaggerated belief in their own importance or abilities. They think they're better than everyone else, and it often shows in how they act. An overweening ambition might lead someone to take on tasks far beyond their skill level, while an overweening pride could make them dismiss the advice of others. It's not just confidence; it's too much confidence, bordering on arrogance. Think of a character in a story who is so sure of themselves they stumble into disaster – that's likely someone with an overweening personality.
The word overweening describes an excessive and arrogant sense of one's own importance or abilities. It comes from the Old English word "weenan," meaning to suppose or expect, combined with "over," indicating excess. So, it literally means "too much supposition." It's more than just being confident; it implies a presumption that goes beyond what is reasonable or justified.
Historically, overweening has often appeared in writing about people whose pride or ambition pushes them too far. Think of figures like Macbeth, whose ambition drove him to commit terrible acts and ultimately led to his destruction. The word fits characters whose belief in themselves grows so large that it blinds them to limits, warnings, or consequences.
Today, we use it to describe people who are boastful, presumptuous, or overly self-assured. An overweening sense of entitlement might lead someone to demand special treatment, while an overweening desire for control could stifle creativity and collaboration. It's a strong word, often used to critique behavior that is perceived as arrogant and out of touch with reality.
You wouldn't describe a quiet, humble person as overweening. The term suggests someone who actively displays their inflated self-regard – someone whose confidence has grown beyond reasonable bounds. So, if you encounter someone acting like they're the center of the universe, chances are they're displaying an overweening attitude.
Examples
- 1
Confidence
His overweening confidence made him ignore every warning.
- 2
Political ambition
The minister’s overweening ambition eventually turned even his allies against him.
- 3
Literary criticism
Reviewers criticized the novel for its overweening sense of importance.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- overweeningadjective