be haughty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be haughty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is arrogantly superior or disdainful towards others. Example: "Her tendency to be haughty made it difficult for her to make friends at the new school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

India and Brazil can be haughty.

The Economist

He can be haughty in his dismissal of religion.

The New Yorker

"You can't be haughty and be a good documentary photographer," Ms. Filmore said.

The New York Times

"But you can't be haughty about it, because there are so many people who you are going to meet who are just as smart as you".

The New York Times

"If I leave, it's for her sake, not yours, Jay," she says, in a voice that trembles, straining to be haughty.

The New Yorker

As Lauren, she could be haughty, grand, intimidating – not to us, fellow professionals – but to managers, producers, any who might profit from her presence.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

S.D.N.Y. was haughty.

The New Yorker

She was haughty to me after that".

Independent

Nothing is static, nothing is haughty.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was haughty and almost a showoff.

The New York Times - Sports

The Japanese are haughty and dismissive, the Dutch greedy and disrespectful.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be haughty" when you want to convey a sense of arrogant superiority that is evident in someone's demeanor and actions. Consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate, as it carries a negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "be haughty" to describe someone who is simply self-assured or confident. Haughtiness implies a sense of superiority and disdain, while confidence reflects belief in one's own abilities without belittling others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be haughty" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being or a characteristic. Ludwig's examples show it is often used to attribute a sense of arrogant superiority to a person or entity. Ludwig AI validates this usage with its indication of grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be haughty" effectively conveys arrogance and disdain, typically used to negatively characterize an individual or group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its uncommon usage suggests considering context carefully. Predominantly found in news and media, examples in Ludwig underscore its critical purpose. When using "be haughty", ensure it accurately reflects the intended sense of superiority and avoid confusing it with mere confidence. Consider alternatives like "act superior" or "be arrogant" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act superior

Focuses on the action of behaving as if one is better than others.

be arrogant

Emphasizes an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.

put on airs

Suggests an artificial display of superiority or refinement.

be condescending

Highlights a patronizing attitude towards others.

look down on others

Indicates a feeling of superiority and disdain.

be disdainful

Emphasizes contempt and a lack of respect.

carry a superior attitude

Focuses on an enduring manner of acting better than the others.

be snobbish

Suggests an obsession with status and social class.

consider oneself superior

Highlights the internal belief in one's own higher value.

have an inflated ego

Indicates an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be haughty"?

To "be haughty" means to display arrogance and disdain towards others, often acting as if one is superior.

What are some synonyms for "be haughty"?

Alternatives to "be haughty" include "act superior", "be arrogant", or "be condescending", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "be haughty" in a sentence?

You can use "be haughty" to describe someone's behavior, for example: "He can "be haughty" in his dismissal of religion."

Is it better to "be arrogant" or to "be haughty"?

"Be arrogant" and "be haughty" are similar, but ""be haughty"" often implies a more pronounced display of disdain and perceived superiority. It depends on the specific context and the degree of negative connotation you want to express.