Pride, plume, pique, preen are all reflexive verbs meaning to congratulate oneself because of something one is, has, or has done or achieved.
Pride usually implies a taking credit to oneself on or upon something that redounds to one’s honor or gives just cause for pride in oneself.
Plume adds to pride the implication of a display of vanity or of a more obvious exhibition of one’s gratification; the term usually suggests less justification than does pride .
Pique (see also PROVOKE 1 ) differs from plume chiefly in carrying a hint of stirred-up pride or satisfaction; usually the cause of the pride is a special accomplishment.
Preen is occasionally used in place of plume, sometimes with a slight suggestion of adorning oneself with one’s virtues.