a bit arrogant

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bit arrogant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who displays an air of confidence, speaks in a manner that implies they are superior to others, or who makes decisions based on their own preferences no matter the cost to others. Example sentence: I found his attitude to be a bit arrogant, so I chose to stay silent and not share my opinion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

If you're a bit arrogant OK then … Could be arrogance...

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

"But I've decided that's a bit arrogant.

The New York Times - Health

And a bit arrogant; both splendidly and annoyingly so.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Tom Brown shows up at Harvard, confident and a bit arrogant.

The New York Times

In the past we've tended to become a bit arrogant, but the players understand now.

The Guardian - Sport

"They've been a bit arrogant in their behaviour over in Lebanon," Chapman told AM. "They have.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

People regard him as a little bit arrogant, a little bit cocky, but I think he is a very good player, a very promising player, a very strong, very quick player and he's got some skill.

BBC

"People regard him as a little bit arrogant, a little bit cocky, but I think he is a very good player, a very promising player, a very strong very, quick player and he's got some skill.

BBC

Maybe I was a little bit arrogant and a little bit naïve".

The New Yorker

We are in Amsterdam, so we are a little bit adventurous, a little bit artistic, maybe a little bit arrogant.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We've become a little bit arrogant," said Mr. Rogers, the author of a new book, "Hacking a Terror Network: The Silent Threat of Covert Channels," which uses fictional situations to highlight the ways terrorists can communicate secretly online.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a bit arrogant", consider the context. Is it meant as a lighthearted observation or a serious critique? Tailor your tone accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit arrogant" as a standalone judgment. Provide specific examples of behavior or statements that support this assessment to avoid sounding overly critical or subjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit arrogant" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun (usually a person or their behavior). It tempers the adjective "arrogant", suggesting a moderate degree of arrogance. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit arrogant" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a moderate level of arrogance in someone's behavior or attitude. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. The phrase finds frequent application within news and media, with less common usage in scientific and wiki contexts. When using "a bit arrogant", it's best practice to provide specific examples to support your assessment and avoid overusing the phrase without qualification. Alternatives include ""slightly conceited"" or ""somewhat haughty"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly conceited

Emphasizes vanity and excessive pride in oneself.

Somewhat haughty

Suggests a disdainful superiority towards others.

A little presumptuous

Highlights an overconfident assumption of privilege or acceptance.

Rather supercilious

Conveys a feeling of looking down on others as inferior.

A touch patronizing

Implies treating others with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.

Smug to a degree

Highlights self-satisfaction and complacency, often to an irritating extent.

Vain to some extent

Stresses an excessive admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.

Egotistical to a certain degree

Indicates an inflated sense of self-importance.

A shade pretentious

Implies an attempt to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed.

Pompous to a small extent

Suggests self-importance and an exaggerated display of dignity.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit arrogant" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit arrogant" to describe someone's behavior or attitude, like: "I found his attitude to be a bit arrogant, so I chose to stay silent and not share my opinion." or "She seemed standoffish, "a bit arrogant", and apparently unconcerned with physical appearances."

What are some alternatives to saying "a bit arrogant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slightly conceited", "somewhat haughty", or "a little presumptuous".

Is it better to say "a bit arrogant" or "a little arrogant"?

"A bit arrogant" and "a little arrogant" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What does it mean when someone is described as "a bit arrogant"?

It suggests they exhibit an air of superiority or excessive confidence, often to the point of being off-putting or inconsiderate of others. The phrase implies this trait is present to a moderate degree.