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supercilious

Supercilious (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˌsuːpəˈsɪlɪəs/

What does supercilious mean?

Displaying an attitude of haughty superiority or disdain towards others.
"Her supercilious expression showed her disdain for the topic of conversation."

Detailed Meaning of Supercilious

When someone is described as supercilious, they project an air of arrogance and condescension, often looking down upon others with a sense of self-importance. This behavior can manifest through facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language that suggest a belief in their own perceived superiority. A supercilious individual may appear dismissive of others' opinions, accomplishments, or social status, highlighting their inclination to belittle those they consider beneath them. The term 'supercilious' encapsulates the idea of someone who maintains a lofty and patronizing demeanor, emphasizing their attitude of looking down on others with a mixture of pride and contempt.

Example Sentences for Supercilious

1. Her supercilious tone made it clear that she considered herself above everyone else.
2. He wore a supercilious smirk as he dismissed their opinions with a wave of his hand.
3. The supercilious waiter made us feel unwelcome at the upscale restaurant.
4. She couldn't stand his supercilious attitude towards their less fortunate neighbors.
5. His supercilious comments about their work undermined their self-esteem.
6. The CEO's supercilious demeanor made employees reluctant to voice their ideas.

Origin and Etymology of Supercilious

The adjective 'supercilious' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'supercilium,' which means 'eyebrow.' In English, it developed in the 16th century to describe individuals who display an attitude of haughty superiority or disdain towards others, often accompanied by the raising of an eyebrow as a nonverbal expression of condescension. 'Supercilious' people are perceived as looking down upon others with an air of arrogant superiority. This term captures the essence of someone who believes themselves to be intellectually or socially above those around them and is often used to criticize individuals for their aloof and contemptuous demeanor.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective supercilious:

humble

haughty

respectful

modest

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Supercilious

1. Her supercilious laughter echoed through the room, mocking those around her.
2. The aristocrat's supercilious air rubbed the townspeople the wrong way.
3. Despite her supercilious exterior, she secretly struggled with self-doubt.
4. He delivered his critique in a supercilious manner, leaving the team demoralized.
5. Their supercilious behavior alienated them from potential friends and allies.
6. The supercilious tone of her voice made it clear she thought she was superior.
7. He had a habit of making supercilious remarks that annoyed his friends.
8. The manager's supercilious attitude towards his subordinates hindered effective communication.
9. Her supercilious behavior at the party made it hard for others to connect with her.
10. The professor's supercilious demeanor intimidated the students in the class.
11. Despite his supercilious appearance, he was actually quite insecure.
12. The fashion designer's supercilious dismissal of their ideas frustrated the team.
13. The politician's supercilious responses to questions only fueled public skepticism.
14. The businessman's supercilious approach to negotiations alienated potential partners.
15. The socialite's supercilious remarks showcased her elitist mindset.
16. The supercilious aura she carried made it difficult for people to approach her.
17. The critic's supercilious review showed a lack of understanding for the art form.
18. The actor's supercilious behavior on set created a tense atmosphere.
19. The supercilious tone of the article made readers question its credibility.
20. Her supercilious attitude towards her coworkers created a hostile work environment.
21. He had a tendency to give supercilious advice, thinking he knew better than everyone else.
22. The restaurant's supercilious treatment of its customers led to negative reviews.
23. Dealing with a supercilious boss can be a real challenge for employees.
24. The celebrity's supercilious demeanor turned fans away, leaving her with a smaller following.