Definition
Haughty means having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
arrogant, proud, disdainful, pompous, conceited, self-important, snobbish, superior, lofty.
Antonyms
humble, modest, unassuming, meek, deferential, submissive, unpretentious, down-to-earth.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | haughtiness, haughtinesses |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | haughty |
| Adverb | haughtily |
Example Sentences
-
The haughty businessman refused to associate with anyone he deemed beneath him.
-
Despite his haughty demeanor, the aristocrat was well-respected in society.
-
The haughty professor dismissed any student who challenged his authority.
-
She couldn’t stand the haughty attitude of her new boss and quit soon after starting the job.
Usage
The word “haughty” is an adjective that is typically used to describe a person who has an arrogant attitude or a sense of superiority over others. This attitude can come from a variety of sources, including wealth, education, social status, or talent in a particular area.
The root of the word “haughty” is “haught,” which means to be proud or conceited. The suffix “-y” in “haughty” is used to turn this adjective into an adverb that describes the person who demonstrates this attitude.
The prefix “dis-” can be added to “haughty” to create the word “disheveled,” which means to be untidy or unkempt. This word is often used to describe people who are not concerned with their appearance, or who have a casual, laid-back style that contrasts with the haughty attitudes of others.
Other variations of the word “haughty” include “haughtiness” (noun) and “haughtily” (adverb). These words can be used to describe the behavior or attitude of people who demonstrate haughtiness, or the way in which they express this attitude.
In writing, it is important to use words like “haughty” to accurately portray the attitudes and behaviors of different characters. For example, a story about a group of wealthy elites might describe their haughty attitudes toward people of lower social status, while a story about a humble hero might show his disdain for the haughty aristocrats of his world. These nuances of meaning can help to create more realistic and engaging stories, and can add depth to the characters and settings portrayed in them.