Uppish

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Acting in a way that shows an exaggerated sense of superiority or self-importance
2. Displaying a conceited or haughty attitude that suggests one believes they are better than others
3. Exhibiting pride or arrogance through manner or speech, often seen as disdainful or overbearing

Etymology: "Uppish" is a plain formation: the adjective "up" with the suffix "-ish", which means "somewhat" or "having the quality of," as in "bookish" or "reddish." The sense of "up" that matters here is the older one of raising oneself above others, which is why "uppish" can describe someone who carries themselves as if they outrank everyone around them. Both parts are very old. "Up" descends from Old English "upp," and it traces back through Proto-Germanic to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "up" or "over." The suffix "-ish" comes from Old English "-isc," which has roots in the same ancient ancestry as the Germanic words for "of the people" and "belonging to a group," so the suffix originally carried a sense of belonging or resemblance before it became a general marker of tendency.

Synonyms: arrogant, proud, haughty, conceited, snobbish

Antonyms: humble, modest, meek, submissive, unassuming