What does snobbishly mean?
Snobbishly is an adverb meaning “in a snobbish manner.” It describes behavior marked by contempt for people considered socially inferior, excessive concern with rank, status, taste, or cultural sophistication, or an ostentatious display of superiority. The adverb commonly appears in criticism of aristocratic attitudes, pretentious behavior, and elitism: a speaker might say that someone snobbishly ignored a person, dismissed a cultural interest, or made a remark designed to make others feel inadequate. Its tone is firmly disapproving, although the precise force can range from lightly teasing to harshly judgmental. Snobbishly is related to the noun snob and the adjective snobbish. It is useful when the focus is not only on the attitude itself but on the manner in which someone expresses it, especially when describing a conspicuous or contemptuous way of treating other people.
adverbIn a snobbish manner, with contemptuous superiority or excessive concern for social rank and status.
- In a manner marked by snobbery, condescension, or excessive pride in one's own social rank or taste.
"She dismissed the restaurant as beneath her, snobbishly ignoring its excellent food."
"He snobbishly refused to speak to anyone who did not share his literary interests."
"The article was written to expose how snobbishly fashion brands often treat their customers."
Snobbishly names that unmistakable look-down-your-nose attitude in which status matters more than people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snobbishly come from?
Snobbishly is the adverb formed from the English adjective snobbish by adding the suffix -ly. Snobbish, in turn, derives from snob with the suffix -ish, which gives the adjective the sense of resembling a snob or displaying snobbish qualities. The detailed origin of snob is uncertain, but the word was established in English by the early modern period and came to denote a person concerned with social rank or aspirations to it.
Related word forms
How snobbishly is actually used
The word is strongly negative and usually implies contempt, elitism, or condescending behavior. It is common in general English in both British and American usage and is generally more explicit and judgmental than simply saying someone is proud or selective.
Easily confused with snobbishly
Snobbish is the adjective describing snobbish behavior, while snobbishly is the adverb describing how that behavior is carried out.