Definition
Snobbery is the attitude or behavior of someone who thinks they are superior to others because of their social status, wealth, or education, and who looks down on those who do not meet their standards.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Arrogance, haughtiness, elitism, pretentiousness, conceit, snobbishness, superiority complex, disdain, condescension.
Antonyms
Humility, modesty, egalitarianism, openness, inclusivity, acceptance.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | snobbery, snobberies |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The wealthy businessman displayed snobbery by only associating with people from the same social class as him.
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The fashion designer’s snobbery was evident in her disdainful attitude towards anyone who didn’t wear designer clothes.
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The academic’s snobbery was evident in the way he spoke down to those who had not received the same level of education as him.
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The politician’s snobbery was apparent in the way she dismissed the concerns of working-class voters.
Usage
The word “snobbery” is derived from the snob, a term that originated in England in the late 18th century and referred to a person of low social status who imitated or sought the company of people of higher social status. Over time, the term came to refer to anyone who looks down on others for not meeting their standards.
The word can be used to describe the behavior of someone who thinks they are better than others because of their social status, wealth, education, or other criteria. This can manifest in various ways, such as speaking in a condescending tone, displaying a lack of empathy, or being dismissive of others’ opinions or experiences. Snobbery can be evident in any aspect of life, such as fashion, culture, education, or even food.
Snobbery can be used as a noun or an adjective (snobbish), and it is often used in a negative context to criticize someone’s behavior or attitude. Prefixes such as “un-” or “anti-” can be added to create antonyms such as “unsnobbish” or “antismobbery.” Suffixes such as “-ism” or “-ishness” can be added to create related nouns such as “snobism” or “snobbishness.”
In general, snobbery is not seen as a positive trait and is often criticized for being elitist or exclusionary. People who display snobbery are often seen as arrogant, aloof, or out of touch with reality. Conversely, humility, openness, and inclusivity are generally seen as positive traits that promote understanding and empathy.