Word of the Day: ‘Supercilious’ meaning, origin, pronunciation and how to use the word in a sentence

Today’s Word of the Day is “supercilious,” an adjective used to describe someone who behaves as though they are superior to others. The word often refers to an attitude that appears arrogant, haughty or dismissive, especially when a person treats others as though they are less important, capable or intelligent.

Supercilious meaning and pronunciation

“Supercilious” describes a person or manner that shows an exaggerated sense of superiority. Someone who speaks to others in a condescending way or looks down on people may be described as supercilious.

The word is pronounced soo-per-SIL-ee-us or /ˌsuːpəˈsɪliəs/.


For example, if a senior employee dismisses a colleague’s suggestion without considering it and behaves as though only their own ideas matter, their attitude could be described as supercilious.

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The word is generally negative and is commonly used to criticise a person's manner, expression or behaviour rather than simply stating that they are confident or knowledgeable.

What does ‘supercilious’ reveal about an attitude?

A supercilious attitude goes beyond ordinary confidence. A confident person may be certain about their abilities while still respecting others. Someone described as supercilious, by contrast, gives the impression that they consider themselves above those around them.

The word can describe both speech and behaviour. A “supercilious tone” may suggest that someone is speaking dismissively, while a “supercilious expression” can refer to a facial expression that conveys disdain or superiority.

For instance: “His supercilious tone made it difficult for the new employees to ask questions.”

The origin and history of ‘supercilious’

“Supercilious” comes from the Latin word superciliosus, meaning “haughty” or “proud.” It is derived from supercilium, meaning “eyebrow” or “brow.”

The connection with the eyebrow reflects an old association between raising or lifting the eyebrow and expressing disdain, pride or contempt. The word entered English in the 16th century and developed its modern sense of displaying an attitude of superiority or arrogance.

Its Latin roots also help explain why the word has a somewhat formal quality in modern English.

How to use ‘supercilious’ in a sentence

“Supercilious” is most often used before a noun, particularly words such as “attitude,” “tone,” “manner,” “expression” and “behaviour.”

Examples include:

“Her supercilious manner made the discussion uncomfortable.”

“The manager's supercilious tone discouraged the team from sharing their views.”

“He gave a supercilious smile when his suggestion was accepted.”

“The critic was known for his supercilious comments about other artists.”

The word is especially useful when describing behaviour that combines arrogance with a dismissive attitude toward others.

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Supercilious vs arrogant

Although “supercilious” and “arrogant” are closely related, they are not always interchangeable. “Arrogant” broadly describes an inflated sense of one's own importance or abilities. “Supercilious” places greater emphasis on behaving as though other people are beneath you.

In everyday English, “arrogant” is more common, while “supercilious” can provide a more precise description of a distinctly haughty or condescending manner.

Learning “supercilious” can therefore help describe a particular kind of arrogance: one expressed through dismissive behaviour or an obvious sense of superiority.