Which word describes someone who is proud and contemptuous?

Which word describes someone who is proud and contemptuous?

• A. Supercilious
• B. Humble
• C. Courteous
• D. Indifferent

Answer: (A)

Prideful contempt is captured by the adjective supercilious. It describes someone who behaves as if they are superior and looks down on others with disdain, often accompanied by a haughty attitude. That combination of arrogance and scorn is exactly what this word conveys. Humble refers to modesty, not arrogance. Courteous means polite and considerate, not disdainful. Indifferent means lacking interest or concern, which doesn’t imply superiority over others. The nuance of condescending superiority is what makes supercilious the best fit.

Prideful contempt is captured by the adjective supercilious. It describes someone who behaves as if they are superior and looks down on others with disdain, often accompanied by a haughty attitude. That combination of arrogance and scorn is exactly what this word conveys.

Humble refers to modesty, not arrogance. Courteous means polite and considerate, not disdainful. Indifferent means lacking interest or concern, which doesn’t imply superiority over others. The nuance of condescending superiority is what makes supercilious the best fit.