There are several different definitions for pride. Pride can be referred to as a type of plant, a form of body decoration, or even a group of lions. The most commonly used definition of pride is being proud, or having a feeling of great accomplishment. Throughout history the word pride, (positive and negative) has had an effect on how we feel about ourselves. .
In 1297 AD, pride was described as "An awareness or feeling of what is befitting or due to oneself or one's position, which prevents a person from doing what he considers to be beneath him or unworthy of him; esp. as a good quality, legitimate, "honest", or "proper pride", self-respect; also as a mistaken or misapplied feeling, "false pride"." (World Book Encyclopedia 377) This type of pride is personal pride and is an image a person must maintain to keep. A person cannot allow himself or herself to act in such a way that would be demeaning. An example of personal pride is a drill sergeant getting down with his recruits and performing the same demeaning drills. The sergeant's years of hard work and service would not be taken seriously if he were to lower himself to the level of his recruits, as a result, lowering his sense of pride.
Too much pride can lead to smugness or what we commonly call a "big head". By 1340 AD, pride was comparable to arrogance. Later, during the Middle Ages, there were seven sins listed as the worst sins of all. These sins were called, "the seven deadly sins". (The seven Deadly Sins) The first on the list was pride. Pride is believed to be "a high or overweening opinion of one's own qualities, attainments, or estate, which gives rise to a feeling and attitude of superiority over and contempt for others." This usage of the word pride gives it a negative cynical connotation-describing people as vain, arrogant. An example of a vain person could be when someone famous jokingly thanks "all the little people".
