Proud means feeling deep pleasure and satisfaction about something you've done, something you are, or someone you care about. When you're proud of your science project, you feel good about the effort you put in and the results you achieved. When parents say they're proud of their children, they're expressing joy and admiration for who those children are becoming.

Pride comes in different shades. You might feel quietly proud after helping a friend solve a difficult problem, or openly proud when your team wins the championship. Your grandparents might feel proud watching you perform in the school play, even if you only have three lines, because they see you having the courage to get on stage.

The word can also describe someone who has too much pride: a person who thinks they're better than others or refuses to admit mistakes. A proud person in this sense might not ask for help when they need it, or might look down on people they consider less important. This kind of pride can isolate people and make them difficult to be around.