supercilious
/ˌsuːpəˈsɪliəs/ (bre, ipa) · [sˌupɚsˈɪliəs] /ˌsuːpərˈsɪliəs/ (ame, ipa) · [sˌupɚsˈɪliəs] /ˌsü-pər-ˈsi-lē-əs How to pronounce supercilious (audio) -ˈsil-yəs/ (ame, mw)
supercilious — adjective
- superciliouspositive
- more superciliouscomparative
- most supercilioussuperlative
1. showing by the way you behave that you believe you are better or more important
showing by the way you behave that you believe you are better or more important than other people, so that you treat what they think or feel as not deserving your attention
Sari gave a supercilious smile when Naoko suggested a different approach to the problem.
collocation: supercilious smile / tone / attitude
The professor's supercilious tone made the students too nervous to ask questions during the lecture.
Kwame found his colleague's supercilious attitude toward the new staff members both unfair and unprofessional.
The senior manager replied with a supercilious wave when the intern asked for clarification.
Marta wore a supercilious expression whenever a classmate offered a different opinion during the debate.
- arrogant
more general; implies an inflated sense of one's own importance, not necessarily with open dismissal of others
- haughty
similar literary register; emphasises proud, scornful behaviour toward people seen as inferior
- condescending
focuses on talking down to others or treating them as less intelligent
- humble
having a modest view of one's own importance
- deferential
showing respectful regard for others' opinions or wishes
文法句型
be + supercilious
supercilious about + noun or gerund
用法筆記
Frequently used to describe someone's tone of voice, facial expression, or general manner rather than a permanent personality trait.