Haughty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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haughty

[ˈhɔːti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior.

Synonyms

arrogant, conceited, proud, snobbish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haughty	Typically used to describe someone who looks down on others, often with a sense of superiority. She gave a haughty laugh and dismissed the idea as beneath her consideration
arrogant	Used when someone has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. His arrogant attitude made it difficult to work with him
snobbish	Describes someone who believes they are superior due to social status, education, or wealth. The snobbish manner in which they treated the waiter was uncomfortable to witness
proud	Can be positive or negative. Positively, it describes rightful satisfaction over achievements. Negatively, it implies an inflated sense of self-worth. She felt proud of her team's success / He was too proud to ask for help, even when he really needed it
conceited	Describes someone who has an overly high opinion of themselves, often without sufficient reason. Their conceited remarks about their own accomplishments annoyed everyone

Examples of usage

She was known for her haughty demeanor towards her colleagues.
The haughty aristocrat looked down upon anyone not of noble birth.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Looking or acting as if one thinks they are better, smarter, or more important than others.

Synonyms

disdainful, overbearing, pretentious, supercilious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
haughty	Used when someone has a high opinion of themselves and looks down on others, often seen in social or aristocratic settings. She gave a haughty laugh when asked if she would ever shop at a discount store. His haughty demeanor made it difficult to relate to him.
disdainful	Used when someone shows strong dislike or lack of respect, often with a sense of superiority. He looked at the broken toy with a disdainful expression. She gave a disdainful snort when asked about her former colleague.
supercilious	Used when someone behaves as if they think they are better than others, similar to 'haughty' but often with a more pronounced contempt. She cast a supercilious glance at her coworkers. His supercilious tone made it clear he thought he was above everyone else.
overbearing	Used to describe someone who is excessively authoritative or bossy, often pushing others around. Her overbearing attitude made it difficult for the team to work together. He can be so overbearing that people tend to avoid him.
pretentious	Used when someone tries to impress others by pretending to be more important, knowledgeable, or cultured than they really are. The pretentious art critic scoffed at the popular exhibit. He always makes pretentious comments about his supposed world travels.

Examples of usage

Her haughty expression made it clear that she considered herself above everyone else.
The haughty look on his face irritated those around him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' the character Mr. Darcy embodies haughty behavior, initially looking down on others until he learns humility.
Shakespeare often explored themes of haughtiness in plays like 'Hamlet,' where characters’ arrogance leads to their downfall.
The idea of being haughty is often linked to tragic flaws in classical literature, where characters’ pride brings about their demise.

Psychology

Studies suggest that haughtiness can be a defense mechanism for low self-esteem, where individuals overcompensate by feeling superior.
People with haughty attitudes may struggle with forming genuine connections, as their behavior can push others away.
Research in social psychology indicates that haughty behaviors can lead to conflict in group settings, as they often create divisions.

Pop Culture

Haughty characters often appear in films and TV shows, like the character Blair Waldorf in 'Gossip Girl,' who is known for her elitist behavior.
The term is frequently used in critique of celebrities or influencers who display an unapproachable or superior attitude towards their audience.
Songs and media often convey the idea that haughtiness can lead to isolation, showcasing how it affects relationships.

History

In medieval times, the noble classes were often depicted as haughty, distancing themselves from lower social classes through lifestyles and attitudes.
Historical figures like Marie Antoinette have become symbols of haughtiness, particularly for their perceived disconnection from the struggles of the common people.
Haughty behavior has catalyzed revolutions, such as the French Revolution, where the elite were brought down due to their arrogant disregard for the populace.

Origin of 'haughty'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French word 'haut,' meaning high or lofty, originally describing someone with a lofty attitude.
In Middle English, 'haughty' was spelled 'heti,' showing how language evolves over time.
It reflects social class distinctions, as those in higher social positions were often perceived to have more haughty behaviors.

The word 'haughty' originated from the Middle English word 'haught' which meant 'high in one's own estimation'. It later evolved to 'haughty' in the 16th century with the connotation of being disdainful or arrogant. The term has roots in Old French and comes from the Latin 'altus' meaning 'high'. Over time, 'haughty' has come to be associated with a negative perception of excessive pride or arrogance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,452, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13449 biosynthesis
13450 pooling
13451 fanciful
13452 haughty
13453 decease
13454 naturalist
13455 confluence
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