Supercilious
hardNegative tonesoo-per-SIL-ee-us
adjective
Definition
Behaving as though one is superior to others
Memory hook
SUPER-CILIOUS: raising your eyebrows (cilia) ABOVE others — looking down with arrogant disdain.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His supercilious attitude alienated coworkers.”
“She gave a supercilious glance at the cheap furniture.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ attitude alienated coworkers.”
Show answer
supercilious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Supercilious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "haughty" or "disdainful" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "humble".
Related GRE Words
patronizing
Treating with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority
condescending
Having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority
haughty
Arrogantly superior; disdainfully proud
contemptuous
Showing contempt; scornful; disdainful
pompous
Affectedly and irritatingly grand or self-important
bombastic
High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated or pretentious language
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