Definition

Adverb: - In a manner showing arrogant superiority or disdain: Acting as if one is vastly superior to others, often accompanied by a sneer or scornful expression.

Usage

The adverb "superciliously" describes how an action is performed, specifically an action that conveys contempt, haughtiness, or patronizing disregard. It modifies verbs related to looking, speaking, or behaving.

Examples

• She glanced superciliously at the homemade gift.
• "Is that all?" he asked superciliously, raising one eyebrow.
• The critic dismissed the popular film superciliously.

Advanced Usage

• "to look down superciliously": To gaze at someone or something with overt contempt.
  • The seasoned aristocrat looked down superciliously upon the new money in the room.
• "to laugh superciliously": To laugh in a scornful, derisive manner.
  • Upon hearing the naive suggestion, the board members laughed superciliously.

Variants and Related Words

• Supercilious (adjective): Having or showing arrogant superiority.
  • His supercilious attitude made him very unpopular.
• Superciliousness (noun): The quality of being supercilious.
  • Her superciliousness was a mask for her own insecurities.

Synonyms

• Haughtily: In a proud and scornful manner.
• Disdainfully: Showing contempt or lack of respect.
• Contemptuously: In a scornful way that shows disdain.
• Sneeringly: With a contemptuous or mocking smile, remark, or tone. (As noted in the reference context.)
• Snobbishly: In a manner characteristic of a snob.

Antonyms

• Humbly: In a modest or lowly manner.
• Respectfully: With deference and esteem.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "With one's nose in the air": Behaving in a haughty or supercilious way.
  • He walked past us with his nose in the air, refusing to acknowledge our greetings.
• "To look down one's nose at": To regard with contempt or a superior attitude.
  • She tends to look down her nose at anyone who hasn't been to university.

Adverb

1. with a sneer; in an uncomplimentary sneering manner
   • `I don't believe in these customs,' he said sneeringly