1
Core quality
Behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
Example
The supercilious clerk dismissed every question as obvious.
supercilious
/ˌsuːpəˈsɪliəs/ · soo-pur-SIL-ee-usadjective
Behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
Use supercilious to express this relationship precisely: behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
What supercilious Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her supercilious smile suggested contempt for the other applicants.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The expert was confident but never supercilious.
Use supercilious Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The supercilious clerk dismissed every question as obvious.
Her supercilious smile suggested contempt for the other applicants.
The expert was confident but never supercilious.
Precision Matters
Supercilious overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
supercilious
vs.Means behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
sanctimonious
Means making an exaggerated display of moral superiority or righteousness, often hypocritically.
supercilious
vs.Means behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
punctilious
Means showing exact and careful attention to rules, formalities, procedures, and small details.
supercilious
vs.Means behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
ebullient
Means overflowing with cheerful energy, enthusiasm, and excitement.
supercilious
vs.Means behaving as though one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.
arrogant
Means having or displaying an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, ability, or superiority.
Test supercilious in Context
His behaviour conveys haughty, contemptuous superiority.
1
With a ___ glance, the delegate dismissed the local researchers as people beneath his attention.