Haughty vs. Supercilious — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 15, 2024
Haughty conveys disdain from perceived superiority, while supercilious emphasizes smug or scornful aloofness.
Difference Between Haughty and Supercilious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Haughty refers to an arrogantly superior and disdainful attitude, suggesting a prideful and contemptuous demeanor. On the other hand, supercilious describes a person or behavior that expresses scornful superiority through subtle insults, often conveyed through facial expressions or body language.
While haughty behavior is overtly dismissive and can be easily recognized through actions or speech, superciliousness is more about subtle expressions and indirect demeanors, such as a raised eyebrow or a sardonic smile, hinting at an inward feeling of superiority.
Haughty individuals might openly look down upon others, making their feelings of superiority clear through direct statements or actions. Whereas, supercilious people might prefer to convey their contempt through indirect means, maintaining a facade of politeness while subtly undermining others.
In terms of origin, "haughty" comes from the Old French word "haut," meaning "high" or "lofty," which reflects the high self-esteem and superiority complex associated with haughtiness. Conversely, "supercilious" is derived from the Latin "supercilium," meaning "eyebrow," highlighting the importance of facial expressions in conveying a supercilious attitude.
Both terms describe negative traits, but haughty behavior is often more blatant and easier to recognize, while superciliousness requires more attention to detail to discern the underlying contempt.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Displaying arrogant superiority
Showing scornful aloofness
Expression
Overt disdain
Subtle contempt
Behavior
Directly dismissive
Indirectly undermining
Origin
Old French "haut" (high)
Latin "supercilium" (eyebrow)
Recognition
Easily identifiable
Requires attention to detail
Compare with Definitions
Haughty
Overbearingly proud
His haughty demeanor at the party left few wanting to converse with him.
Supercilious
Scornfully disdainful
His supercilious glance made her regret asking the question.
Haughty
Contemptuously aloof
The haughty dismissal of their concerns only fueled the employees' dissatisfaction.
Supercilious
Sneeringly superior
She spoke with a supercilious tone that implied she knew better.
Haughty
Disdainfully superior
She gave a haughty laugh when asked if she would consider a budget option.
Supercilious
Proudly contemptuous
The supercilious smirk on his face was enough to silence the room.
Haughty
Arrogantly dismissive
His haughty refusal to listen to feedback was criticized by many.
Supercilious
With a patronizing air
His supercilious comments on art were hard to endure.
Haughty
Snobbishly uppish
Her haughty tone when talking about budget brands was off-putting.
Supercilious
Mockingly arrogant
Her supercilious laugh at his suggestion was demeaning.
Haughty
Scornfully and condescendingly proud.
Supercilious
Feeling or showing haughty disdain.
Haughty
Conveying in demeanour the assumption of superiority; disdainful, supercilious.
Supercilious
Arrogantly superior; showing contemptuous indifference; haughty.
Haughty
High; lofty; bold.
To measure the most haughty mountain's height.
Equal unto this haughty enterprise.
Supercilious
Lofty with pride; haughty; dictatorial; overbearing; arrogant; as, a supercilious officer; asupercilious air; supercilious behavior.
Haughty
Disdainfully or contemptuously proud; arrogant; overbearing.
A woman of a haughty and imperious nature.
Supercilious
Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy;
Some economists are disdainful of their colleagues in other social disciplines
Haughty aristocrats
His lordly manners were offensive
Walked with a prideful swagger
Very sniffy about breaches of etiquette
His mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious air
Shaggy supercilious camels
A more swaggering mood than usual
Haughty
Indicating haughtiness; as, a haughty carriage.
Satan, with vast and haughty strides advanced,Came towering.
Supercilious
Expressive of contempt;
Curled his lip in a supercilious smile
Spoke in a sneering jeering manner
Makes many a sharp comparison but never a mean or snide one
Haughty
Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy;
Some economists are disdainful of their colleagues in other social disciplines
Haughty aristocrats
His lordly manners were offensive
Walked with a prideful swagger
Very sniffy about breaches of etiquette
His mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious air
Shaggy supercilious camels
A more swaggering mood than usual
Common Curiosities
How does someone show supercilious behavior?
Supercilious behavior is shown through scornful aloofness, often with subtle facial expressions like a raised eyebrow or a disdainful smirk.
What does it mean to be haughty?
Being haughty means displaying an arrogantly superior attitude, often showing open disdain for others.
Can haughtiness be mistaken for confidence?
Yes, haughtiness can sometimes be mistaken for confidence, but it crosses the line with its overbearing pride and disdain for others.
What is the key difference in expression between haughty and supercilious individuals?
Haughty individuals express disdain overtly, while supercilious individuals do so subtly, often through facial expressions.
Are there any positive aspects to being supercilious?
Generally, superciliousness is viewed negatively, but in some cases, it might be used as a defense mechanism to hide insecurities.
How do haughty and supercilious behaviors affect relationships?
Both behaviors can strain relationships, as they involve disdain and contempt, making meaningful connections difficult.
Is superciliousness always intentional?
Superciliousness can be both intentional and unintentional, depending on the person's awareness of their own behavior.
What role do facial expressions play in supercilious behavior?
Facial expressions, such as a raised eyebrow or a smirk, are key to conveying supercilious contempt.
Can someone be both haughty and supercilious?
Yes, it's possible for someone to exhibit both haughty and supercilious traits, depending on the context and their behavior.
How does the origin of the word 'haughty' reflect its meaning?
The origin from Old French "haut," meaning "high," reflects the lofty, superior attitude associated with haughtiness.
Is it easier to recognize haughty behavior compared to superciliousness?
Yes, haughty behavior is more overt and easier to recognize compared to the subtlety of superciliousness.
Can haughty behavior be considered a form of bullying?
Yes, haughty behavior can be considered a form of bullying, especially when it involves overt disdain and dismissal of others.
How does societal status influence haughty and supercilious behavior?
Societal status can amplify both haughty and supercilious behavior, as individuals in higher positions may feel justified in their superiority.
Can haughty and supercilious attitudes be changed?
Yes, with self-awareness and effort, individuals can work on changing their haughty or supercilious attitudes.
Are haughty and supercilious traits inherited or learned?
These traits can be both inherited and learned, influenced by genetics, upbringing, and social environments.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
