Conclusion
Have you ever come across someone who seems to act as if they are better than everyone else? They may have an air of superiority about them. This behavior is often seen as negative and can lead to conflicts in personal and professional relationships. In this article, we will define and explore the meaning of air of superiority.
Definitions
Air of superiority refers to the behavior or attitude of a person who believes they are superior to others. It is characterized by an arrogant or haughty demeanor, a condescending tone, and a sense of entitlement. People with an air of superiority often display their perceived superiority through their actions, words, and body language.
Origin
The phrase “air of superiority” has been in use since the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the French word “air” which means “manner” or “appearance”. The term has since been adopted in the English language to describe the behavior of individuals who display a sense of superiority.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, air of superiority is defined as “an attitude of condescension or superiority”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “an attitude of superiority that is shown in a person’s behavior or speech”.
Associations
Air of superiority is often associated with negative traits such as arrogance, conceit, and narcissism. People who display this behavior are often viewed as difficult to work with, unapproachable, and lacking in empathy.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of air of superiority include arrogance, haughtiness, conceit, and snobbishness.
Antonyms
Antonyms of air of superiority include humility, modesty, and meekness.
The same root words
The same root words of air of superiority include “superiority” which means the quality of being better than others and “air” which means manner or appearance.
Example Sentences
- John’s air of superiority made it difficult for his colleagues to work with him.
- The teacher’s air of superiority towards her students was off-putting.
- The politician’s air of superiority made it hard for her to connect with her constituents.
In conclusion, air of superiority refers to the behavior of individuals who display a sense of superiority over others. This behavior is often viewed as negative and can lead to conflicts in personal and professional relationships. It is important to recognize and address this behavior to maintain healthy relationships with those around us.