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Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.
synonyms:arroganthaughty
The word 'supercilious' comes from the Latin word 'superciliosus', which means 'haughty' or 'arrogant', derived from 'supercilium', meaning 'eyebrow' or 'pride'. The notion is that a raised eyebrow signifies disdain or superiority.
This word is often used in literary contexts or formal discussions to describe behavior that is disdainful or condescending, making it less common in everyday casual conversation.
While not commonly used in daily conversation, 'supercilious' appears in literature and discussions about social behavior, giving it a moderate presence.
The supercilious attitude of the manager created an unwelcoming environment for the employees.
She gave him a supercilious smile, as if his opinion didn't matter in the slightest.
His supercilious remarks during the meeting alienated several team members who felt undervalued.
The word 'supercilious' paints a vivid picture of someone who wears their arrogance like a badge of honor, often with a disdainful look on their face. Originating from Latin, it evokes the image of someone with their eyebrows raised, indicating a sense of superiority over others. While it might not roll off the tongue in everyday chatter, it certainly finds its home in literature and discussions about social dynamics. So next time you encounter someone who seems to look down their nose at others, you might just have the perfect word to describe them!