Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| arroganza | /ar.roˈɡan.t͡sa/ | |
| supponenza | /sup.poˈnɛn.t͡sa/ | feminine |
In Italian, the concept of hubris, excessive pride, presumption or arrogance, can be expressed through several different nouns depending on the specific nuance of the behavior you are describing.
Which one should you use?
While both arroganza and supponenza can be used to translate hubris, they carry different meanings. Arroganza refers more generally to a person's rude or insolent behavior. In contrast, supponenza specifically implies a sense of superiority or the act of behaving as if one is better than others.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word supponenza is a feminine noun. Because of this, any adjectives accompanying it must also be in the feminine form, such as una grande supponenza.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ar.roˈɡan.tsa/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- To describe the act of becoming arrogant, Italians use the colorful expression montarsi la testa, which literally means 'to inflate one's own head'.
- In a religious or moral context, Italians use the word superbia for hubris. Unlike arroganza, which is viewed as a social flaw, superbia is categorized as one of the seven deadly sins.
- The word supponenza shares a root with the verb supporre, meaning 'to suppose', suggesting that this type of pride is based on an unverified assumption of being better than others.
Examples in context
- Il suo comportamento mostra un'eccessiva arroganza verso gli altriHis behavior displays excessive hubris towards others
- La sua presunzione è evidente nel modo in cui si esprimeHis hubris is evident in the way he expresses himself
- Non sopporto la sua arroganza sfrenataI can't stand his unbridled hubris
- Abbassare quella presunzione eccessiva ti farà beneLowering that excessive hubris will do you good
- La superbia non porta a nulla di positivo nella vita.Hubris leads to nothing positive in life.
- L'arroganza di quella persona è insopportabile.The arrogance of that person is unbearable.
- La sua presunzione gli impedisce di imparare dai suoi errori.His hubris prevents him from learning from his mistakes.
- Non sopporto la sua arroganza sfrenata, sembra credere di essere superiore a tutti.I can't stand his unbridled hubris, he seems to believe he is superior to everyone.
- Quella ragazza è piena di presunzione eccessiva, non riesce a valutare correttamente se stessa.That girl is full of excessive hubris, she can't assess herself properly.
- La sua arroganza è davvero incredibile.His arrogance is truly incredible.
- Non tollero la tua arroganza.I do not tolerate your arrogance.
- L'arroganza può rovinare ogni carriera.Arrogance can ruin any career.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a boastful manager.
- LorenzoHai visto come ha parlato Lorenzo?Did you see how Lorenzo spoke?
- GiuliaSì, ha mostrato troppa arroganza.Yes, he showed too much arrogance.
- LorenzoPensa di essere l'unico a sapere tutto.He thinks he is the only one who knows everything.
- GiuliaQuesto atteggiamento sarà il suo limite.This attitude will be his limit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hubris” translations and entries arroganza, supponenza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
