adjective
supercilious
soo-per-SIL-ee-us/ˌsuːpərˈsɪliəs/
Behaving as though better than other people.
The supercilious man looks down his nose at the offered handshake.
Etymology
The eyebrow in supercilium supplies the image: raising an eyebrow to express haughtiness. This physical gesture became a description of an attitude that treats others as inferior.
In context
she has completely changed here is your ticket Gregor she says in a tone which supercilious ladies use to their servants
More examples
- She gives my muddy boots a supercilious glance.
- The supercilious clerk acts as if our questions waste his time.
- You sound supercilious when you dismiss everyone else's ideas.
Forms
supercilious
superciliously adverb — In a manner that shows disdainful superiority.
superciliousness noun — An attitude of disdainful superiority toward others.
Similar words
- haughty
- Emphasizes aloof pride rather than openly dismissive treatment of others.
- arrogant
- Emphasizes exaggerated self-importance, not necessarily contempt for other people.
- condescending
- Suggests treating others as less capable while pretending to help.