Haughty: meaning, definitions and examples

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

Used when someone has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities.

• His arrogant attitude made it difficult to work with him

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

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

Describes someone who has an overly high opinion of themselves, often without sufficient reason.

• Their conceited remarks about their own accomplishments annoyed everyone

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.