haughty

In a sentence

• A haughty nod was all the answer the clerk received.
• Critics called the review haughty rather than fair.
• She dropped the haughty pose once the cameras left.

Origin

From Middle English haute (high, lofty), from Old French haut (high), ultimately from Latin altus; English added the -ty ending and a sharper sense of scorn.

History

Haughty grew from the idea of height into social height: a manner that places others below. Writers use it for looks, refusals and tones that signal rank. It is stronger than confident and closer to arrogant with a visible chill. The word remains useful when pride shows as contempt.

Nearby words

arrogant · disdainful · supercilious