A haughty look, of superiority and disdain
Disdainful and contemptuous
It can be said that a haughty individual is someone who, due to his or her ability, talent or socioeconomic position, feels superior to other people. In this way he behaves in a disdainful and contemptuous manner towards others.
Being haughty, therefore, is usually frowned upon. Only in some contexts and occasions is the idea linked to healthy or positive pride .
Among its most common synonyms, in addition to those we already mentioned above, are the following: starchy, contemptuous, bizarre, encopetado, castillado, espetado, crestado, pintiparado, imperious and superb . As we can see, some of these terms are not in general use but rather in certain regions, but the idea that they all denote is the same. Regarding its antonyms, we can point out humble and simple .
Some examples
For example: «The singer entered the room and, haughtily, went directly to his table without greeting any of those present» , «The Portuguese footballer once again appeared haughty by not wanting to take photos with the admirers who were waiting for him at the door of the hotel" , "You shouldn't be so haughty, someday your luck may change and maybe you will need the help of those you now despise."
In the first example we have a situation in which a well-known singer walks past many people without paying attention to them, as if they were not there, with the simple and questionable purpose of showing them that they are not on his level , that they are not worthy of his level. time. We continue with a footballer who refuses to pose with his followers to take photos, a very unfortunate attitude especially because it is a disdain for those who support his career and his presence in the media.
In the third and final sentence, the speaker tells his interlocutor that he should not continue being so haughty because his good luck may end and in that case the people he despises will probably not be willing to help him.
Typical of someone haughty
What is characteristic of this type of subject can also be mentioned as haughty: "I don't like Esteban's haughty character," "The businessman cast his haughty gaze on the protesters for a few moments and then returned to his office," "The The candidate's haughty speech was not well received by listeners .
In these example sentences we see a clear difference with the previous ones, because what is judged is not the person themselves but their attitudes. Of course, depending on each case, the distance in meaning may vary. Let's look at the first: when talking about someone's "haughty character ", we always think that the person is this way, which is why in practice it is the same as calling them "haughty."
The second sentence, on the other hand, does not indicate that the businessman is a haughty person, but rather qualifies his view of a particular situation in this way. Although we do not have enough information, it is possible that he is someone who is humble and simple, but who for certain reasons has had an attitude of arrogance . Something similar happens in the last case: the speech has these characteristics, but it may well be a slip in the candidate's career, who does not have to be haughty in his essence.
The Eiffel Tower, a proud monument
Elevated or upright objects
The adjective haughty is also used to refer to an object that is elevated or erect : "The haughty building stands out among the low houses of the town" , "From the boat we could already see the tall bell tower of the temple" , "The haughty poplar seemed not be moved by the gale .