supercilious
Meaning: Behaving or looking as though one considers oneself superior to others; displaying an air of contemptuous condescension.
Supercilious describes an attitude of haughty disdain, often revealed through facial expressions, tone of voice, or dismissive behaviour. It is stronger than 'aloof' and more refined than 'snobbish.' In British culture, with its acute sensitivity to class distinctions, the word carries particular resonance and is frequently applied to those who adopt airs of social superiority.
Examples
- The waiter gave us a supercilious look when we asked for the house wine. 当我们点选店酒时,服务员投来了一个傲慢的目光。El camarero nos dirigió una mirada superciliosa cuando pedimos el vino de la casa.ハウスワインを注文すると、ウェイターは見下すような視線を向けた。하우스 와인을 주문하자 웨이터는 거드름 피우는 듯한 눈길을 보냈다.
- Her supercilious manner alienated colleagues who might otherwise have supported her candidacy. 她那种目中无人的态度疏远了本来可能支持她竞选的同事。Su actitud superciliosa alejó a los colegas que de otro modo podrían haber apoyado su candidatura.彼女の傲慢な態度が、本来なら彼女の立候補を支持したであろう同僚たちを遠ざけた。그녀의 거만한 태도는 본래라면 그녀의 후보 지명을 지지했을 동료들마저 멀어지게 했다.
- He addressed the committee with a supercilious smile that did little to win their confidence. 他带着一丝傲慢的微笑对委员会发言,这丝毫无助于赢得他们的信任。Se dirigió al comité con una sonrisa superciliosa que poco contribuyó a ganarse su confianza.彼は尊大な笑みを浮かべて委員会に語りかけたが、信頼を得ることにはほとんど役立たなかった。그는 오만한 미소를 지으며 위원회에 연설했지만, 그것은 신뢰를 얻는 데 거의 도움이 되지 않았다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, journalism
Tone: disapproving
Origin & History
From Latin superciliosus, from supercilium meaning eyebrow — literally, the raised eyebrow of disdain. Entered English in the early 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free