What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
priggishness
Example
His priggishness made him unpopular among his colleagues. [priggishness: noun]
Example
She always acted with priggishness, looking down on anyone who didn't share her values. [priggishness: noun]
smugness
Example
He had a smugness about him that made it hard to be around him. [smugness: noun]
Example
She smiled with smugness as she recounted her accomplishments to her friends. [smugness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smugness is more commonly used than priggishness in everyday language. Smugness is often used to describe someone who is arrogant or insufferable, while priggishness is less common and may be perceived as overly formal or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between priggishness and smugness?
Priggishness is typically associated with a formal and old-fashioned tone, while smugness is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
