World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariessuffisant
Pronunciation / Transliteration: sy.fi.zɑ̃
"Il avait un air suffisant après sa victoire."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements, often in a way that annoys other people.
"He had a smug expression on his face after winning the promotion." - 2
Pleased with oneself; self-satisfied and complacent.
"She sat back looking like the cat that got the cream, entirely smug and content."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the obsolete verb 'smugge' or the adjective 'smug' meaning neat or trim, which dates back to the late 16th century, likely of Germanic origin related to Low German 'smuck' meaning neat or smart. Over time, the meaning shifted from being trim or spruce to exhibiting an excessive, self-satisfied complacency about one's achievements or situation.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Smug"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Smug" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
suffisant
Transliteration: sy.fi.zɑ̃
"Il avait un air suffisant après sa victoire."
selbstgefällig
Transliteration: zɛlbstɡəˌfɛlɪç
"Er zeigte ein selbstgefälliges Lächeln."
saccente
Transliteration: satˈtʃɛn.te
"Aveva un'aria saccente dopo il successo."
presumido
Transliteration: pɾesuˈmiðo
"Tenía una sonrisa presumida en la cara."
presunçoso
Transliteration: pɾezũˈsozu
"Ele ficou com um ar presunçoso após vencer."
आत्मसंतोषी
Transliteration: aatmasantoshee
"जीत के बाद उसके चेहरे पर आत्मसंतोषी मुस्कान थी।"
自满的
Transliteration: zì mǎn de
"他脸上露出了自满的笑容。"
의기양양한
Transliteration: uigi-yangyang-han
"그는 의기양양한 표정을 지었다."
気取り屋の
Transliteration: kidoriya no
"彼は満足げな得意そうな顔をした。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all French termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Smug"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.