English vocabulary · C2
Supercilious
/ˌsuːpərˈsɪliəs/ · adj.
A supercilious person acts as if others are worth less. The way they look at you says they feel better than you.
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Example sentences
- Supercilious, Tom laughed.
- A supercilious smile hurt Kim.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- supercilium — eyebrow (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- ARROGANT — think too highly of yourself (Too sure of yourself)
- HAUGHTY — act above other people (Look down on people)
- PROUD — feel very good about yourself (High opinion of yourself)
Similar words
- arrogant
- haughty
- proud
Lesson notes
A supercilious person acts as if others are worth less. The way they look at you says they feel better than you.
Related: arrogant, haughty, proud. Use supercilious when pride hurts.
Supercilious, Tom laughed. A supercilious smile hurt Kim.
From Latin. supercilium- means eyebrow. An eyebrow lifted with a cold, mean look feels supercilious.