Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Supercilious: Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy. It describes a person who behaves as if they are superior to others.
   • Haughty: Blatantly and disdainfully proud. It conveys a sense of looking down on others with scorn.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta có thái độ bắc bậc, không thèm chào hỏi ai. (He has a supercilious attitude, not bothering to greet anyone.)
  • Cô ấy nhìn mọi người bằng ánh mắt bắc bậc. (She looked at everyone with a haughty gaze.)
  • Con người bắc bậc kiêu kỳ thường rất cô độc. (A supercilious and proud person is often very lonely.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "bắc bậc" is often used in literary or formal contexts to critique someone's character. It implies a persistent personality trait rather than a temporary mood.
• It can be intensified with words like (proud) or (arrogant) to form phrases like "bắc bậc kiêu kỳ", emphasizing extreme haughtiness.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiêu căng (adj): arrogant, proud. A more common synonym for pride and arrogance.
• Ngạo mạn (adj): arrogant, insolent. Suggests a contemptuous disrespect.
• Hống hách (adj): overbearing, domineering. Implies using power in a bullying way.

Synonyms

• Supercilious: Arrogantly superior.
• Haughty: Disdainfully proud.
• Disdainful: Showing contempt or lack of respect.
• Contemptuous: Manifesting, feeling, or expressing deep hatred or disapproval.

Related Idioms

• While "bắc bậc" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it describes the behavior found in related expressions:
  • "Mặt lên mặt xuống": To put on airs; to act superior.
  • "Ngẩng cao đầu": To hold one's head high (can be positive or negative depending on context). When combined with a "bắc bậc" attitude, it signifies arrogant pride.

adj

1. Supercilious, haughty
   • con người bắc bậc kiêu kỳ
     a supercilious and proud person