I think you're just debating semantics here really. The word 'pride' can be used to mean subtly different but related things, for example a) pride in a job wel

I think you're just debating semantics here really. The word 'pride' can be used to mean subtly different but related things, for example a) pride in a job well done, which is what I believe the other commenters here are referring to, is the feeling of taking pleasure in successfully producing a well-made (something), whereas b) pride in the sense of 'puffing oneself up' is holding and/or projecting an unrealistically high estimation of one's abilities, perhaps in an attempt to impress others - you could also refer to this as vanity I don't see a problem with a); taking pleasure in doing quality work doesn't preclude one from seeing potential areas of improvement and it doesn't have to be pathological (telling everyone else repeatedly how good your work is, for example, which tends towards b) ), it's more like an intrinsic source of motivation and joy.