feeling of superiority

USAGE SUMMARY

'feeling of superiority' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who believes they are better than another person or group of people. For example, "He had an inflated feeling of superiority, thinking that he was more intelligent than anyone else in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

They depend on the feeling of superiority they receive when they feel desired by you; if you move on, they lose that validation.

WikiHow

It gave them a feeling of superiority.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The feeling of superiority kills a Jake candidate.

The New York Times

The feeling of superiority was incredible – and against Real Madrid!

The Guardian - Sport

It would give you a feeling of superiority.

The Guardian - Books

As I passed them, sensing their longing for the big city, I was filled with a powerful feeling of superiority.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Data indicate that feelings of superiority cause some men to feel ashamed at having to visit a care and treatment clinic in order to access the ARVs.

Global Health Action

When one of these individuals has a fatal relapse, the resulting feelings of superiority and intelligence gained by others are similar to what we feel rehashing the coulda-woulda-shouldas of a sports event.

Huffington Post

Across the board, the grounds for all our feelings of superiority have been steadily whittled away.

The New York Times - Books

One invokes feelings of superiority close to contempt, the other inferiority and envy.

The Economist

White racism tends to be rooted in feelings of superiority that are part of a larger institutional racism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "feeling of superiority", provide specific examples of behavior or attitudes that demonstrate this feeling. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "feeling of superiority" to the point where it becomes cartoonish or unbelievable. Subtle indications of superiority are often more effective than blatant displays.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of superiority" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of mind or emotion related to perceived dominance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of superiority" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a subjective state of believing oneself to be better than others. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and wiki sources. The phrase carries negative connotations, suggesting arrogance and a condescending attitude. When using the phrase, be sure to provide specific examples to support your claims and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "sense of dominance" or "air of arrogance" can be used for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superior attitude

Emphasizes the behavioral manifestation of feeling superior.

sense of dominance

Focuses on the aspect of control and power over others.

haughtiness

Emphasizes the disdainful and arrogant nature of the feeling.

air of arrogance

Highlights the haughty and disdainful manner associated with superiority.

condescending manner

Highlights the way someone treats others as if they are inferior.

inflated ego

Refers to an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

patronizing behavior

Focuses on the act of treating someone with apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.

smugness

Suggests excessive satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

holier-than-thou attitude

Implies moral superiority and judgment of others.

belief in one's own excellence

Highlights the conviction of possessing superior qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeling of superiority" to describe someone who believes they are better than others. For example, "His constant boasting revealed a strong "feeling of superiority"."

What's a more formal synonym for "feeling of superiority"?

A more formal synonym could be "sense of dominance" or "air of arrogance", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe someone as having a "feeling of superiority"?

Yes, describing someone as having a "feeling of superiority" is generally negative, as it implies arrogance and a condescending attitude towards others. It suggests a lack of empathy and humility.

How does "feeling of superiority" differ from "self-confidence"?

"Feeling of superiority" implies a belief in being better than others, often leading to condescension. "Self-confidence", on the other hand, is a belief in one's own abilities without necessarily comparing oneself to others.