ENGLISH
REFERENCE

superiority

n.
US //ˌsupɪɹiˈɔɹɪti// UK //suːpˌiəɹɪˈɒɹɪti// su·pe·ri·or·i·ty
  1. 1 being better or higher quality (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the state of being better, stronger, or more effective than others.

    the state of being superior in quality, skill, or power. Uncountable in its abstract sense.

    Example

    The team proved their superiority by winning every game in the tournament.

    Example

    The technological superiority of the new aircraft allowed the company to secure the contract despite the higher production costs.
  2. 2 an arrogant attitude (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a feeling or way of behaving that shows you think you are better than other people.

    an attitude of conceit or superciliousness based on a belief in one's own higher status or intelligence.

    Example

    He spoke with an air of superiority that made his colleagues feel uncomfortable.

    Example

    Her quiet air of intellectual superiority often alienated her peers, who found her refusal to explain basic concepts condescending.
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  1. 3 feudal land rights (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Law

    in history, the legal right a lord had over land held by a lower-ranking person.

    the legal right or interest which a superior holds in land occupied by a vassal. Used primarily in historical or legal contexts regarding feudalism.

    Example

    The lord maintained his superiority over the village lands for many generations.

    Example

    Under the feudal system, the crown held the ultimate superiority of all lands, granting usage rights to nobles in exchange for military service.
    • vassalage
Origin

From Middle English superiorite, from Old French superiorite, from Medieval Latin superioritas, from Latin superior. Morphologically superior + -ity.

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