haughty | haughtily | haughtiness

Somebody described as being ‘haughty’ is considered to be arrogant, displaying through their behaviour, or simply the way they look, a sense that they are better than other people. This belief in their own superiority, which often goes hand-in-hand with contempt for others, elicits a strong negative reaction. It can, however, be misinterpreted.

1. I hate working with Anna. Her haughty manner is just so infuriating!

2. When I messed up my presentation I could see Robert in the corner of my eye, smiling haughtily.

3. A lot of people misinterpret our manager’s reserve for haughtiness. He’s actually a really nice man.