What does haughty mean?
Haughty describes behavior or a manner that is proudly self-important, often suggesting that a person believes themselves superior to others. The word is typically negative: a haughty person may be distant, dismissive, or openly arrogant, and a haughty tone can sound condescending even when the words themselves seem polite. It can also carry a more literary sense of lofty or elevated bearing, but even then it usually suggests pride or distance rather than simple dignity. Haughty is especially useful when describing the effect of someone’s manner, attitude, expression, or voice. It is common in formal writing and conversation, though writers often choose more specific alternatives such as arrogant, supercilious, imperious, or disdainful according to the precise tone intended. The word is used in both British and American English.
adjectiveHaughty means proud and self-important, often in a way that seems to look down on or dismiss others. It can also describe a lofty or elevated manner or bearing.
- Proud and self-important, especially in a way that looks down on or dismisses others.
- Having a lofty, elevated, or proud bearing.
"Her haughty reply made everyone at the table fall silent."
"His haughty attitude toward the volunteers made the project difficult to manage."
"She wore a haughty, almost regal expression as the award was presented."
Haughty began as a way of saying “high” before becoming a sharply pointed description of pride.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does haughty come from?
Haughty entered English through French hautain, an adjective meaning “high” or “lofty.” French hautain was built on haut, “high,” which ultimately comes from Latin altus, “high” or “deep.” English later developed the form haughty while retaining the word’s sense of elevation, which gradually became strongly associated with proud or arrogant behavior.
Related word forms
How haughty is actually used
The word is usually disapproving and describes a manner or attitude perceived as arrogant or overly self-important. It can be literary or formal, and its negative force is often stronger when it describes a person’s demeanor, tone, or expression.
Easily confused with haughty
Haughty describes arrogant or superior-sounding behavior, whereas naughty describes behavior that is mischievous or morally objectionable.