overweening
UK: ˌəʊvəˈwiːnɪŋ | US: ˌoʊvərˈwiːnɪŋ
adj. excessively arrogant or presumptuous
adj. showing undue confidence or pride
The word "overweening" originates from Middle English, combining "over-" (excessive) and "weenen" (to think or expect), derived from Old English "wēnan." The suffix "-ing" turns it into an adjective. Historically, "ween" was a common verb meaning "to suppose," but it fell out of general use, leaving "overweening" as a fossilized form. The term evolved to describe someone who thinks too highly of themselves, reflecting the literal sense of "over-thinking" or "over-estimating" one's worth.
His overweening pride made him unpopular among his peers.
She dismissed his overweening claims with a skeptical laugh.
The dictator's overweening ambition led to his downfall.
Critics accused the author of overweening confidence in his untested theories.
An overweening attitude often blinds people to their own flaws.