supercilious
- Behaving or looking as though one thinks oneself superior to others; disdainfully condescending.
In a sentence
- The maître d' gave them a supercilious glance before informing them there were no tables available.
- Her supercilious tone made even a simple question feel like an insult.
Usage note. The Latin root 'supercilium' (eyebrow) is a helpful memory aid — picture someone literally raising an eyebrow in disdain; supercilious describes attitude, not just tone.
Where it comes from
English supercilious · entered English early 16th c.
From Latin 'superciliosus,' meaning 'haughty,' derived from 'supercilium,' meaning 'eyebrow' — the raised eyebrow being a classic gesture of contempt or haughtiness. It entered English in the early 16th century.