Pride and pried are two words that are pronounced in the same manner but have different meanings and are spelled differently. Words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings are called homophones. We will examine the definitions for pride and pried, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Pride is the feeling of satisfaction due to one’s achievements or possessions. Pride involves a consciousness of one’s own dignity, or having a high opinion of oneself. Pride may also describe a troop of lions. Pride may be used as a noun or a verb, related words are prides, prided, priding. The word pride is derived from the Late Old English word prȳde, which means an excessive amount of self-esteem.
Pried is the past tense of pry, which means either to be too interested in the affairs of another, or to prise something open. Related words are pries and prying. The word pry is derived from the Old English word prien, meaning to peer in.
Examples
This year, despite poor weather, Muscovites took pride in having a still bigger turnout than last year. (The Consortium News)
“This is our 8th year producing LA Pride’s celebration and I have to say that this is one of my favorite lineups of talent for the festival,” said Jeff Consoletti, founder and principal of event production company JJLA. (Billboard Magazine)
After the grates were pried open and Bastean got into the drainage way with a flashlight, she could see the kitten. (The Sun Herald)
I got the coconut open, got the milk out, and pried most of the meat out. (The Guardian)
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