supercilious
adjective
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; having an air of contemptuous indifference or disdain.
Etymology
From Latin "superciliosus" (haughty), from "supercilium" (eyebrow), from "super" (above) + "cilium" (eyelid). Refers to the raised eyebrow of disdain.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The supercilious waiter made diners feel unwelcome."
- 2.
"Her supercilious attitude alienated potential allies."
- 3.
"He gave a supercilious sniff at the mention of popular entertainment."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The eyebrow connection in "supercilious" reflects how facial expressions communicate hierarchy. Raised eyebrows still signal skepticism or superiority across cultures, making this etymology physically observable.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 12 letters (S, U, P, E, R, C, I, L, I, O, U, S)
Scrabble Value: 16 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "SU" at the start of words.
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