Definition

In a way that shows you think you are better than others; with an attitude of superiority.

Example

She looked at him superciliously, as if he were beneath her.

Conversation

Did you see how she spoke to everyone at the party?

Yeah, she acted so superciliously like she was better than everyone else.

Exactly! It was really off-putting, don't you think?

For sure, it made the atmosphere really uncomfortable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Superciliously → It is formed from "superciliosus" (from Latin, meaning haughty or arrogant, literally 'eyebrowed', from "super-" meaning above and "cilium" meaning eyelid or eyebrow) and the adverbial suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word describes behaving in a haughty or arrogant manner, as if looking down from above.

Memory Tip

Think of someone acting 'above' ('super-') others, with an 'eyebrow' raised in disdain, which helps you remember that 'superciliously' means behaving arrogantly.

Visually Confused Words