Supercilious

Adjective

Definition: Showing haughty scorn, disdainful, or contemptuous.

Synonyms: Arrogant, Haughty, Condescending

Antonyms: Humble, Modest, Unpretentious

Examples:
  • 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.
Mnemonics:
  • "Supercilious" sounds similar to "super silly us," which can represent an arrogant and disdainful attitude.

Etymology:

Origin:

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:

Idiom:

"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:

Misconception:

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.

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