Definition

The quality of being overly confident or proud, often in a way that is annoying to others.

Example

His bumptiousness made it difficult for him to make friends at the new school.

Conversation

Have you noticed how his bumptiousness really annoys everyone?

Yeah, it's like he thinks he knows everything.

Exactly! It's hard to take him seriously with that attitude.

I know, right? Sometimes a little humility goes a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bumptiousness → It is formed from "bumptious" (from the dialectal English 'bumptious', meaning self-assertive or pushy) and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "bumptiousness" refers to the quality of being self-assertive or overly confident in a way that is annoying.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is overly confident and assertive — that's what 'bumptiousness' means, the state of being pushy or self-important.

Visually Confused Words