Vocabulary in context
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Supercilious
Having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt toward others; arrogantly self-important.
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Imagine This
Imagine a politician at a gala who arrives late, glances down his nose at attendees with a cold smile, and crosses his arms as he speaks in a patronizing tone.
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Sounds Like
soo-pər-SIL-ee-əs
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Looks Like
A raised eyebrow and a condescending gaze
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Remember This
From Latin superciliosus meaning 'haughty,' literally 'over the brow' (supercilium). The word is not about physical appearance alone but about an attitude of looking down on others.
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Other Forms
superciliouslyadverb
superciliousnessnoun
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Connect With
arrogance, disdain, condescension, hauteur, patronizing, snobbish
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Note
Often followed by 'toward' (e.g., 'supercilious toward others'). Distinguish from merely being 'confident' or 'self-assured'; supercilious implies contempt and disdain.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The manager's supercilious attitude made even seasoned employees uncomfortable.
- Her supercilious remark suggested she believed she was superior to everyone in the room.
Synonyms
haughtyarrogantdisdainfulcondescendingpompous
Antonyms
humblemodestunassuming
Etymology
From Latin superciliosus 'haughty,' from supercilium 'eyebrow, over the brow' (super- 'over' + cilium 'eyebrow'), alluding to a raised eyebrow and an air of superiority.
Mnemonic
Think of a raised eyebrow signaling 'above you'—supercilious literally means having a super (above) brow and looking down on others.
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Predict
verbTo say what will happen in the future, often based on evidence, data, or reasoning; to forecast.
Defunct
adjectiveNo longer existing or functioning; having ceased to operate or be in use.
Refute
verbTo prove a statement or theory false or incorrect; to deny the validity of something through evidence or logical argument.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Disdain
noun (also verb)A feeling of contempt or scorn for someone or something; to regard as unworthy.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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