self-congratulatoryadj.
/ˌsɛlfkənˌɡratʃᵿˈleɪt(ə)ri/, /ˌsɛlfkəŋˌɡratʃᵿˈleɪt(ə)ri/, /ˌsɛlfkənˌɡratjᵿˈleɪt(ə)ri/, /ˌsɛlfkəŋˌɡratjᵿˈleɪt(ə)ri/, /ˌsɛlfkənˈɡratʃᵿlət(ə)ri/, /ˌsɛlfkəŋˈɡratʃᵿlət(ə)ri/, /ˌsɛlfkənˈɡratjᵿlət(ə)ri/, /ˌsɛlfkəŋˈɡratjᵿlət(ə)ri/, U.S. /ˌsɛlfkənˈɡrætʃ(ə)ləˌtɔri/, /ˌsɛlfkənˈɡrædʒ(ə)ləˌtɔri/ Characterized by self-congratulation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > vainglory > [adjective]
gloriousa1382
vainglorious?a1500
self-flatteringa1586
self-exalting1601
self-applauding1614
self-praised1626
self-flattered1647
self-glorying1659
self-exalted1668
self-gratulating1755
self-congratulating1774
self-congratulatory1798
self-applausivea1805
self-gratulatory1818
self-exaltative1821
the mind > emotion > pleasure > contentment or satisfaction > self-satisfaction > [adjective]
smug1551
fat1598
self-contented1631
self-pleased1633
self-satisfied1653
self-contenta1656
self-complacent1736
self-gratulating1755
complacent1767
well1773
self-congratulatory1798
comfortable1856
paddy1865
Podsnappian1866
cosy1927
1798 Llewellin II. viii. 249 I need not say that I prepared to obey this command with prompt and self-congratulatory alacrity.
1824 John Bull 6 Dec. 396/2 The address concludes with a self-congratulatory paragraph of the writer.
1877 ‘Mrs. Forrester’ Mignon I. iii. 51 A very pleasant, self-congratulatory frame of mind.
1923 Advocate of Peace through Justice 85 367/1 The dominions are no longer a vague subject for self-congratulatory patriotism.
1953 M. Irwin Elizabeth & Prince of Spain vi. 73 Somewhat maudlin expressions of self-congratulatory joy over their saved souls.
2005 Third Way Nov. 32/2 Freakonomics provides an accessible if self-congratulatory insight into the inquisitiveness of a new generation of economists.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1798