become arrogant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become arrogant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in someone's attitude or behavior, indicating that they are starting to exhibit arrogance. Example: "After receiving praise for his work, he began to become arrogant, dismissing the contributions of his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

You become arrogant.

The Guardian - Tech

Some become arrogant, even boorish.

The New York Times

"It's important not to become arrogant of this".

Independent

Many Ugandans say he has become arrogant and out of touch.

The Economist

Justo told friends that Obaid had become "arrogant" after striking it rich.

The Guardian

Vunipola's mother, in particular, pointed out he had become arrogant as well as lazy.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Seneca states that Caligula became arrogant, angry and insulting once becoming emperor and uses his personality flaws as examples his readers can learn from.

Wikipedia

He became arrogant, ostentatious.

The New Yorker

I became arrogant and lost the lot".

The Guardian - Business

I was the most wanted kid in England at 14 and I became arrogant with it.

The Guardian - Sport

Over time, he became "arrogant and contemptuous, he could act boorishly and unprincipled," the former captain said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become arrogant" to describe a gradual transformation in someone's behavior, especially after a period of success or recognition. It's useful for illustrating a negative character arc.

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is a belief in one's abilities, while arrogance involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a disregard for others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become arrogant" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of transformation. It describes the act of acquiring arrogance, a state of excessive pride and self-importance. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable, and the examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become arrogant" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe the process of someone developing an inflated sense of self-importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, often serving to negatively portray a change in character. While semantically related phrases like "grow conceited" or "get a big head" exist, "become arrogant" maintains a neutral register and effectively conveys the transformation. When using this phrase, be mindful of the distinction between confidence and arrogance, focusing on the negative shift in behavior. It's a useful tool for illustrating negative character arcs in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a big head

An informal way of saying someone has become overly proud.

get too big for your boots

British English idiom for becoming too self-important.

grow conceited

Focuses more on vanity and excessive self-admiration.

become superior

Highlights the belief in one's own higher status or ability.

turn haughty

Implies a sense of disdain and superiority towards others.

become pompous

Emphasizes self-importance and an exaggerated sense of dignity.

develop hubris

Highlights excessive pride and self-confidence, often leading to downfall.

become puffed up

Suggests an inflated ego, often undeserved.

swell with pride

Suggests an inflated ego due to success or admiration.

acquire airs

Implies adopting pretentious manners or behaviors.

FAQs

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

You can use "become arrogant" to describe someone who develops an inflated sense of self-importance. For example, "After winning the championship, he began to become arrogant."

What are some alternatives to "become arrogant"?

Alternatives include "grow conceited", "turn haughty", or "get a big head", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "became arrogant" instead of "become arrogant"?

Yes, "became arrogant" is the past tense of "become arrogant" and is perfectly correct when describing a past event. "Become arrogant" is the infinitive form.

What's the difference between "become arrogant" and "become complacent"?

"Become arrogant" refers to developing an excessive sense of self-importance, while "become complacent" refers to becoming overly content and self-satisfied, often leading to a lack of effort or awareness. They are different attitudes.