What term refers to excessive pride or self-importance?

The term that best refers to excessive pride or self-importance is hubris. Hubris is often characterized by an overestimation of one's capabilities, leading to a lack of humility and an inflated sense of one's own worth. It frequently appears in literature and discussions surrounding ethics and psychology, where it is depicted as a dangerous trait that can lead to one’s downfall.

Pomposity also denotes a level of self-importance, but it is more about ostentatious behavior or display rather than the intrinsic pride associated with hubris.

Modesty, in contrast, implies a lack of arrogance and an attributed humility regarding one’s abilities, while selflessness refers to putting others' needs before one's own, which is the opposite of excessive pride.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial as it highlights the nuances in language that can inform interpersonal dynamics and individual behavior.