Question

"What is the etymological origin of the word 'supercilious,' and how does it relate to the concept of haughtiness?"

100 points free i don't know what to do with points

Answer 1

Supercilious comes from the Latin adjective superciliōsus, which has only one meaning, “full of stern or disapproving looks.” Superciliōsus is a derivative of the noun supercilium “eyebrow; the eyebrow and its underlying ridge; the eyebrow as used in expressing haughtiness, disapproval, sternness.”

Supercilium is a compound of the preposition and prefix super, super– “above, beyond,” and cilium “eyelid” (unless cilium is a back formation from supercilium). At any rate, cilium is a derivative of the verb cēlāre “to hide,” that is, the eyelid hides the eye. Supercilious entered English at the end of the 14th century.

Answer 2

The word "supercilious" is derived from the Latin word "supercilium" which means "eyebrow" or "forehead." This is because in classical times, haughtiness was often depicted as raising one's eyebrows, as if looking down on others.

Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to the attitude or behavior of being haughty or arrogant, characterized by a feeling of superiority over others. This reflects the idea that someone who is supercilious looks down on others with a condescending or disdainful attitude.

In summary, the etymological origin of the word "supercilious" relates to the concept of haughtiness, as it refers to the attitude of looking down on others with disdain or arrogance, which is conveyed in the Latin word "supercilium" which means eyebrow or forehead and was used to depict haughtiness in classical times.