a hint of arrogance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hint of arrogance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight display of arrogance in someone's behavior or attitude. Example: "While he was generally humble, there was a hint of arrogance in the way he spoke about his achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Only Mr. Kitz suggested even a hint of arrogance, playing deceptively simple arrangements with authority.

The New York Times - Arts

If you were to ask Michael Vaughan who he plays for, he would say, without a hint of arrogance, England".

The Guardian - Sport

He is, after all, a professor of language evolution – "possibly the only one in the world," he says, without a hint of arrogance.

The Guardian

"Looks like Gamestick is taking its backers for granted and I do see a hint of arrogance in that attitude".

BBC

He asked deeply, with a hint of arrogance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Without any hint of arrogance he said that once a guy in his audience broke a rib.

The Guardian

Not a hint of celebrity or arrogance attends Ms. Johansson, according to Mr. Ashford and her cast mates.

The New York Times

One of the very last good guys in politics+life A big loss today, a man with principles and honour and not the merest hint of arrogance, careerism or corruption, RIP Tony Benn Passionate, courageous and compassionate.

Independent

She was far from overwhelmed by the occasion, but there was no hint of arrogance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The charisma and hint of arrogance that magnetised her then still inspires her now: "There's no point doing this if you're not confident".

The Guardian - Music

Disassociation must not carry the slightest hint of arrogance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's personality, use "a hint of arrogance" to subtly suggest a flaw without making them entirely unlikeable. It's more nuanced than outright arrogance.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of arrogance" when the context implies a blatant display of superiority. If the arrogance is obvious, a stronger term is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of arrogance" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a subtle presence of arrogance, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hint of arrogance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe a subtle display of arrogance, offering a nuanced characterization. While not overly common, its presence in various news and media sources suggests its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the arrogance is genuinely subtle, avoiding its use when a more forceful term is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of conceit

Substitutes 'arrogance' with 'conceit', implying a more pronounced sense of vanity.

a trace of haughtiness

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'haughtiness', suggesting a superior and disdainful attitude.

a shade of condescension

Uses 'condescension' instead of 'arrogance', highlighting a patronizing manner.

a suggestion of pomposity

Employs 'pomposity' to convey an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

a glimmer of hubris

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'hubris', indicating excessive pride and self-confidence.

a whiff of presumption

Uses 'presumption' to suggest an unwarranted assumption of privilege or authority.

a dash of superiority

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'superiority', directly expressing a feeling of being better than others.

a degree of self-importance

Specifies 'arrogance' as 'self-importance', clarifying the focus on one's own significance.

an air of grandiosity

Substitutes 'arrogance' with 'grandiosity', implying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance.

a soupçon of swagger

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'swagger', suggesting a confident and often flamboyant manner.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a hint of arrogance" in a sentence?

Use "a hint of arrogance" to depict a character or situation where the arrogance is subtle and not overtly expressed. For example, "Despite his humble beginnings, there was "a hint of arrogance" in his confident demeanor".

What are some alternatives to "a hint of arrogance"?

Alternatives include "a touch of conceit", "a trace of haughtiness", or "a shade of condescension", each conveying a slightly different nuance of subtle superiority.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a hint of arrogance"?

Yes, "a hint of arrogance" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to describe a slight or subtle indication of arrogance.

What's the difference between "a hint of arrogance" and "outright arrogance"?

"A hint of arrogance" implies a subtle, almost imperceptible display of superiority, whereas "outright arrogance" signifies a blatant and obvious show of self-importance.