Supercilious (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy; "some economists are disdainful of their colleagues in other social disciplines"; "haughty aristocrats"; "his lordly manners were offensive"; "walked with a prideful swagger"; "very sniffy about breaches of etiquette"; "his mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious air"; "a more swaggering mood than usual"- W.L.Shirer.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The fashion critic gave a supercilious smile as she dissected the design flaws in the emerging designer's outfit.
- Her supercilious tone made it clear she thought herself superior to everyone else in the room.
- He walked with a supercilious air, as if daring anyone to challenge his views on the subject.
- The supercilious remark hurt her feelings and she tried her best to ignore it.
- The supercilious expression on her face when she was told she had to wait in line was nearly comical.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Expressive of contempt; "curled his lip in a supercilious smile"; "spoke in a sneering jeering manner"; "makes many a sharp comparison but never a mean or snide one".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The pop star's supercilious attitude towards her fans made them question her sincerity.
- He glanced at her with a supercilious air, making her feel like she was inferior.
- Her supercilious smile was unmistakable as she criticized her brother's fashion sense.
- The art critic's supercilious tone made the young painter's debut feel like a disaster.
- The manager's supercilious demeanor intimidated new employees and hindered office morale.