orgueil

Orgueil is a French noun meaning an excessive and morally charged self-regard or sense of superiority. In common usage it denotes arrogance and overbearing self-importance, though it can appear in milder forms when the pride is tied to one’s achievements; in such contexts, the neutral term fierté is often preferred.

The term is of Romance-language origin and is cognate with related words in other languages, for example Spanish orgullo and Italian orgoglio. It carries a stronger negative connotation than fierté, and is distinguished from hauteur (haughtiness) and vanité (vanity), which describe different facets of self-perception.

In religious and moral discourse, orgueil is frequently treated as a vice. In Christian thought, pride is often presented as the root of sin, with humility promoted as a corrective virtue. In secular ethics and philosophy, orgueil is discussed as a form of self-deception or inflated self-regard that impairs judgment and social relations.

In psychology and literature, orgueil is associated with narcissistic tendencies and the classical notion of hubris, where excessive self-importance leads to downfall. Contemporary usage may describe personal, professional, or national pride that crosses into protective arrogance or stubbornness.

Examples of usage: “son orgueil l’empêche d’admettre ses erreurs.” In English, orgueil is usually translated as pride or hubris, depending on context.