act superior
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To behave in a way that shows one believes oneself to be better, more important, or more knowledgeable than others: To display an attitude of arrogance or condescension.
Usage
- This phrase describes a person's behavior and attitude, not a permanent state. It is often used critically to point out someone's arrogant conduct.
- It is typically used in informal or descriptive contexts.
Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Ever since he got the promotion, he has started to act superior to his old colleagues.
- She acted superior during the meeting, dismissing everyone else's ideas.
- You don't need to act superior just because you have more experience.
Advanced Usage
- "to lord it over someone": A more specific idiom meaning to act in a domineering or superior manner towards someone, often while exercising authority over them.
- The senior prefect loved to lord it over the younger students. (This is a close synonym for "act superior toward.")
Variants and Related Words
- Condescend (verb): To behave as if one is descending from a superior position to interact with others, often showing patronizing superiority.
- He condescended to explain the basic concept to us.
- Patronize (verb): To treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.
- I hate it when salespeople patronize me.
Synonyms
- Put on airs: To behave in a way that is intended to impress others and show one's supposed superiority.
- Behave arrogantly: To act in a proud, haughty manner.
- Look down one's nose at: To regard with contempt or a feeling of superiority.
Related Idioms
- High and mighty: Behaving as if one is very important (used disapprovingly).
- I can't stand his high and mighty attitude since he became manager.
- On one's high horse: Behaving in a superior or arrogant manner.
- She got on her high horse about proper etiquette.
Verb
- act like the master of
- He is lording it over the students