air of superiority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of superiority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who acts in a condescending, conceited, or arrogant way. For example: "The CEO walked into the room with an air of superiority, as if everyone else was beneath him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet behind Lomax's air of superiority were awful self-doubts.

The New York Times - Books

"It's finished," he said, an air of superiority in his tone.

The New Yorker

Ljungberg snaffled the rebound; now Arsenal were wearing the air of superiority.

The Guardian - Sport

"She didn't come in with this air of superiority," he said.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the mushrooms of Manhattan should help dispel any air of superiority over the butterflies and dimples in distant Florida.

The New York Times

And do married women really have an innate air of superiority and disinterest in anyone outside their nuclear family?

Independent

In his early 20's, as a hopeful author with little education, no known profession and seemingly an air of superiority, he was nicknamed Count No Countt.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But the Greeks also assumed an air of moral superiority.

The New York Times - Science

He's the Federer of golf right now: fluid motions, no sweat glands, an air of calm superiority.

The New Yorker

Tony Stark Robert Downey Jrr) is nettled by Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his supercilious air of intellectual superiority – and vice versa.

The Guardian - Film

Rory Bremner even manages to reconcile one to the butler by suggesting his air of omniscient superiority is carefully manufactured.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of superiority" to subtly convey a character's arrogance or social standing in your writing. Show, don't tell, by pairing the phrase with specific actions or dialogue that illustrate this attitude.

Common error

Avoid having characters explicitly state someone has an "air of superiority". It's more effective to imply it through their interactions and behavior, letting the reader infer the attitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of superiority" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a manner or demeanor characterized by a sense of being better than others. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of superiority" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who acts as if they are better than others. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. To use it effectively in writing, focus on showing this attitude through actions and dialogue rather than stating it directly. Alternatives include "superior attitude" or "condescending attitude". Avoid overusing the phrase in dialogue; instead, let the reader infer the attitude from the character's behavior. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey a sense of arrogance or social dominance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superior attitude

Directly states the feeling of being better than others.

condescending attitude

Focuses on the behavior of treating others as inferior.

patronizing manner

Emphasizes a show of kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.

smugness

Highlights excessive satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

arrogant demeanor

Centers on an overbearing and self-important behavior.

conceited nature

Focuses on excessive pride in oneself.

haughty disposition

Implies a proud and disdainful nature.

lofty bearing

Suggests a dignified, but potentially aloof, presence.

self-importance

Emphasizes an exaggerated belief in one's own significance.

presumptuous conduct

Highlights behavior that is overstepping or inappropriately forward.

FAQs

How can I use "air of superiority" in a sentence?

You can use "air of superiority" to describe someone who behaves as if they are better than others. For example, "The manager spoke with an air of superiority, dismissing the team's concerns".

What does it mean to have an "air of superiority"?

Having an "air of superiority" means displaying an attitude of being better, more knowledgeable, or more important than others. It often involves condescension or arrogance.

What are some phrases similar to "air of superiority"?

Alternatives include "superior attitude", "condescending attitude", or "patronizing manner", which all describe a similar sense of haughtiness.

Is it better to show or tell when describing an "air of superiority"?

It's generally more effective to show an "air of superiority" through a character's actions and dialogue rather than directly stating it. This allows the reader to infer the character's attitude, making it more impactful.