Supercilious
Adjective
Definition: Showing haughty scorn, disdainful, or contemptuous.
Synonyms: Arrogant, Haughty, Condescending
Antonyms: Humble, Modest, Unpretentious
- The supercilious woman looked down her nose at anyone she deemed beneath her.
- His supercilious attitude towards his subordinates made him unpopular in the office.
- "Supercilious" sounds similar to "super silly us," which can represent an arrogant and disdainful attitude.
Etymology:
The word "supercilious" comes from the Latin words "super" meaning above and "cilium" meaning eyebrow. It refers to the act of raising one's eyebrows in a scornful or disdainful manner.
Historical Usage:The term first appeared in the 1500s and has maintained a consistent meaning throughout history.
Related Idioms:
"Wear a supercilious expression"
Explanation:This phrase refers to someone who consistently showcases an arrogant or disdainful facial expression, typically characterized by raised eyebrows or a smug smile.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "supercilious" with "superficial."
Explanation:Although these words might sound similar, they have different meanings. While "supercilious" refers to a disdainful or contemptuous attitude, "superficial" refers to something shallow or lacking depth. It is important to differentiate between the two to accurately convey the intended meaning.