# haughty

/ˈhɔti/ (US) · /hˈɔːti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/haughty
Updated: 2026-09-29

## Definition

behaving in a way that shows you think you are much better or more important than other people. A haughty person might look down their nose at others or act very cold and proud.

For teachers: arrogantly superior and disdainful. Often describes a person's tone, expression, or manner when they believe others are socially or intellectually inferior.

## Examples

- She gave him a haughty look and walked away.
- The waiter's haughty attitude made the guests feel unwelcome, as if they were not sophisticated enough for the restaurant.
- The aristocrat maintained a haughty silence throughout the trial, refusing to acknowledge the authority of a court he considered beneath his station.

## Synonyms

disdainful, imperious, lordly, prideful, sniffy, supercilious, swaggering, overbear

## Usage notes

- Typically used to describe facial expressions, tones of voice, or general demeanour.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.