Proper Pronunciation Guide

hubris

[hju brəs]

Tips:

  • Stress the first syllable.
  • Pronounce the letter “h” as
    /h/.
  • Pronounce the letter “u” like the name of the letter itself—
    /ju/.
  • Pronounce the letter “i” in the second syllable as the weak schwa vowel
    /ə/.

Practice Sentence:

 His public critique of the entire town board was an act of hubris.

Definition:

  • (noun) Arrogance; excessive pride or self-confidence.

Notes:

In ancient Greek tragedy the protagonist, or tragic hero, of a Greek drama would have a tragic flaw that he or she was unaware of. Further, because of hubris they would never listen to anyone and thereby not learn about their tragic flaw until it was too late and their lives had been ruined. Hubris is considered by many to be one of the major sins along with greed and jealousy.

  • Past Week’s Words

    Pronunciation Key for phonetic symbols

    sign up for Spoken Word Power which will have all the Words of the Day since 2004.

    Private Instruction from Brian