Supercilious - #520 - a podcast by Word of the Day

Today's word of the day is supercilious, S-U-P-E-R-C-I-L-I-O-U-S. Supercilious is an adjective that means behaving as if one thinks one is superior to others. 

Super is often used as a word or prefix in a way that is admirable or positive. But supercilious reminds us that 'super' a prefix of Ancient Greek descent that simply means 'above,' can be negative or positive depending on its context.

In this case it combines with the Latin word for eyebrow in a way that gives us supercilious, which means arrogant. If eyebrow seems like a strange word to get us there, keep in mind the phrase 'high brow,' which is often used as a synonym of conceited or haughty.

We all enjoyed Ron's donation's to our charity. But there's no denying that he can get a little supercilious from time to time.

The spelling of supercilious is S-U-P-E-R-C-I-L-I-O-US. 

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