Uppishly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Exhibiting an attitude of arrogance that conveys a sense of superiority over others
2. Displaying a self-important demeanor that suggests one looks down on those around them
3. Behaving in a manner that suggests an inflated sense of self-worth and disdain for others

Etymology: "Uppishly" is simply "uppish" with the adverb ending "-ly" added. "Uppish" itself is built from "up" with "-ish," the suffix that means "having the quality of" or "somewhat like," so the word literally describes behaving in a way that is somewhat "up," meaning raised or elevated above others. The sense of looking down on people from a height gave rise to the modern meaning of snobbish conceit. The "-ly" ending comes from Old English "-līc," which carried the sense of "having the form or appearance of," and which gave English countless adverbs by describing the manner in which something is done. Attaching it to "uppish" yields a description of acting with that haughty, self-regarding air.

Synonyms: arrogantly, haughtily

Antonyms: humbly, modestly