Supercilious
Having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt toward others; arrogantly self-important.
adjectiveSupercilious
Having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt toward others; arrogantly self-important.
adjectiveImagine 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.
Sounds Like
soo-pər-SIL-ee-əs
Looks Like
A raised eyebrow and a condescending gaze
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.
Other Forms
Connect With
arrogance, disdain, condescension, hauteur, patronizing, snobbish
Note
Often followed by 'toward' (e.g., 'supercilious toward others'). Distinguish from merely being 'confident' or 'self-assured'; supercilious implies contempt and disdain.