The word ARROGANT describes someone who has or reveals an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. An arrogant person often displays excessive pride and a dismissive attitude towards others, believing themselves to be superior. This trait is generally perceived negatively, as it suggests a lack of respect for others' contributions or perspectives.
To find the antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite of this inflated self-importance. The correct answer is A: Humble. A humble person is modest and does not think themselves better than others. They are often respectful, open to learning, and acknowledge their own limitations, which stands in stark contrast to the self-aggrandizing nature of arrogance.
Let's look at the other options:
- B: Proud can sometimes be a synonym for arrogant, especially when referring to excessive self-esteem.
- C: Rude describes someone who is impolite or discourteous, which can be a characteristic of arrogant behavior but isn't its direct opposite.
- D: Selfish refers to being concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself, which can also accompany arrogance but is not its primary antonym.