Definition
haughty means having or showing arrogance and superiority over others.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
adjective
Synonyms
arrogant, proud, vain, conceited, snobbish, superior, pompous, self-important, egotistical, narcissistic.
Antonyms
humble, modest, meek, unassuming, down-to-earth, unpretentious.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | haughtiness, haughtinesses |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | haughty |
| Adverb | haughtily |
Example Sentences
-
She had a haughty attitude and always looked down on those who were not as wealthy as herself.
-
The new boss was extremely haughty, often belittling his employees in meetings.
-
Her haughty manner made it difficult for people to approach her, let alone befriend her.
-
His haughty demeanor was often misunderstood as him being distant and unfriendly, but really he was just shy.
Usage
The word “haughty” is an adjective that is commonly used to describe someone who has an air of superiority and arrogance. It can be used to describe a person’s behavior, demeanor, or mannerisms. The word is often used in a negative context to suggest that the person is being overly conceited or snobbish.
The root word of “haughty” comes from the Old French word “hault,” which means “high.” This root word is also related to the English word “height.” The suffix “-y” is used to make the word an adjective, meaning “characterized by” or “full of.”
The word “haughty” can be further modified with different prefixes to change its meaning. For example, the prefix “un-” can be added to make the word “unhaughty,” which means lacking in arrogance or humility. Similarly, the prefix “over-” can be added to make the word “overhaughty,” which means excessively arrogant or conceited.
It is important to note that the word “haughty” is generally considered a negative descriptor, and it is often used to criticize someone’s behavior. It is not typically used in a positive or complimentary way. In formal or professional settings, it is best to use more neutral language when describing someone’s behavior.