Haughtiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
haughtiness
[หhษหtษชnษชs ]
Definition
in social situations
Haughtiness is the quality of being arrogantly superior and disdainful. It is the attitude of looking down on others with a sense of superiority.
Synonyms
arrogance, conceit, pride, snobbery.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| haughtiness |
Haughtiness is often used to describe a demeanor that is disdainful or condescending. It conveys a sense of superiority over others, usually visible in someoneโs behavior or attitude.
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| arrogance |
Arrogance refers to an overbearing sense of one's own importance. It's often used in situations where someone is undeservedly confident and dismissive of others.
|
| pride |
Pride can be either positive or negative, depending on the context. It often refers to a feeling of self-respect or accomplishment, but can also describe an inflated sense of one's own importance.
|
| snobbery |
Snobbery is the behavior or attitude of someone who looks down on others they consider to be of a lower social class or lacking in specific qualities. It often implies a superficial sense of superiority.
|
| conceit |
Conceit highlights a person's excessive pride in themselves, particularly regarding their abilities or appearance. It usually suggests delusion or an unwarranted sense of superiority.
|
Examples of usage
- She displayed haughtiness by refusing to speak to anyone she considered beneath her.
- His haughtiness was evident in the way he ignored the opinions of his colleagues.
- The haughtiness of the royal family often alienates the common people.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Haughtiness is often depicted as a major flaw in classic literature, leading to tragic downfalls in characters like Jay Gatsby in 'The Great Gatsby'.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often showcase haughtiness to amplify their arrogance and foreshadow their demise, as seen with King Lear.
- Famous novels often use charactersโ haughtiness to set up conflicts or moral lessons, such as in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Psychology
- Haughtiness can be linked to low self-esteem; people may act superior to mask their own insecurities.
- Studies show that individuals who display haughty behavior are often less liked and face social repercussions for their attitude.
- Research indicates that haughty attitudes can result in isolation, as others find it difficult to connect with those who seem arrogant.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, haughty characters often serve as antagonists, embedding themselves in the narratives of movies and TV shows, such as the character Draco Malfoy in 'Harry Potter'.
- Reality shows often highlight haughtiness among contestants, leading to memorable conflicts and discussions among viewers about humility and pride.
- Social media influencers sometimes portray a haughty lifestyle, which can lead to discussions about authenticity versus appearance.
History
- Throughout history, haughtiness has been associated with aristocracy and the ruling classes, who often distanced themselves from common people.
- Many historical figures, like Marie Antoinette, have been labeled as haughty, with detrimental effects on their legacy and public perception.
- The fall of powerful empires can often be traced back to the haughtiness of their leaders, who disregarded the needs of their subjects.
Origin of 'haughtiness'
Main points about word origin
- The word haughtiness comes from the Old French word 'haut', meaning 'high', which implies a lofty view of oneself.
- It has roots in Middle English as 'haughti', reflecting a sense of pride and superiority.
- The term evolved in the 15th century to describe an attitude of disdain or arrogance towards others.
The word 'haughtiness' originated from the Middle English word 'haughte', meaning 'high in one's own estimation'. Over time, it evolved to represent an attitude of arrogance and superiority. The concept of haughtiness has been prevalent in various societies throughout history, often associated with nobility and social hierarchy.