superbus
[sʊˈpɛr.bʊs]
The English word 'proud' is translated into Latin as superbus.
The word is used to describe someone who is feeling gratified, honored or satisfied. However, be aware that it often carries a connotation of being haughty, arrogant or boastful.
Meaning: gratified, feeling honoured, feeling satisfied (adj)
Which one should you use?
While superbus is a general term for being proud, the specific form used depends on the gender and number of the person or thing being described. Additionally, Elatus is a more formal alternative used to signify being proud.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: superbus is the masculine singular, superba is the feminine singular, superbum is the neuter singular and superbi is the masculine plural.
Did you know?
- The English word 'superb' shares the same root as the Latin superbus, but while 'superb' is almost always a compliment, superbus was often a warning against someone's arrogance.
- In Roman culture, superbia was often seen as a dangerous trait that invited nemesis or divine retribution from the gods for overstepping one's social station.
- The Roman historian Livy describes the Etruscan king Tarquinius Superbus as the last king of Rome, using the word as a permanent label for his legendary arrogance.
Examples in context
- Pater meus superbus est.My father is a proud man.This sentence uses superbus to describe a father.Tatoeba #7073153 by alexmarcelo, translation #4890554 by Hybrid
- Bonus operarius superbus est.The good employee is proud.This sentence uses superbus to describe an employee.Tatoeba #12031564 by carlosalberto, translation #12031514 by carlosalberto
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are talking about a completed project.
- LuciaOpus tuum optimam formam habet, Luci.Your work has an excellent form, Lucius.
- LuciusGratias tibi ago, Lucia. Ego sum superbus.Thank you, Lucia. I am proud.
- LuciaMeritis tuis hoc constat.This is due to your merits.
- LuciusAuxilium tuum me multum iuvit.Your help assisted me a great deal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “proud” translations and entries superbus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
