Haughty
Adjective
Definition: Arrogantly superior and disdainful; showing an attitude of superiority.
Synonyms: Arrogant, Proud, Snobbish
Antonyms: Modest, Humble, Down-to-earth
Examples:
- The haughty queen looked down upon her subjects with contempt.
- His haughty demeanor alienated his colleagues and made him unpopular.
Mnemonics:
- Think of someone with their nose up in the air, looking down on others.
- Haughty rhymes with naughty, which can be associated with arrogance in behavior.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English 'haughti', from Old French 'hault', from Latin 'altus' (high) via Old French 'haulte', meaning "high" or "exalted".
Historical Usage:The word haughty has been used in English since the 14th century to describe someone who displays an attitude of superiority or arrogance.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Look down one's nose"
Explanation:This phrase means to act or regard someone with a haughty or disdainful attitude.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Equating haughty with confidence.
Explanation:Haughty implies a sense of superiority and disdain, whereas confidence is based on self-assurance without looking down on others.