arrogance
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arrogance
A quality or behavior in which a person considers themselves better, more important, or smarter than others and clearly shows it. It is a form of arrogance.
Seine Überheblichkeit und seine herablassende Art machten ihn bei seinen Kollegen sehr unbeliebt.
His arrogance and condescending manner made him very unpopular with his colleagues.
The word is derived from the verb 'sich überheben' (to overestimate oneself). Figuratively, it describes a person trying to 'heben' (lift) themselves 'über' (above) other people and thereby presenting themselves as something better.
Seine ständige Angeberei ist ein Zeichen von großer Überheblichkeit.
His constant showing off is a sign of great arrogance.
'Überheblichkeit' (arrogance) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'überheblich' (arrogant). In everyday language, the adjective is often used to describe a person directly.
Er ist so überheblich, dass er nie einen Fehler zugibt.
He is so arrogant that he never admits a mistake.
Common phrases include 'jemandem Überheblichkeit vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of arrogance), 'eine Spur von Überheblichkeit' (a hint of arrogance), or that a behavior 'an Überheblichkeit grenzt' (borders on arrogance).
Sein Lächeln hatte einen Anflug von Überheblichkeit.
His smile had a touch of arrogance.
superiority
Überlegenheit can refer to a neutral or justified stronger position, but it can also describe an arrogant attitude. Überheblichkeit always means that someone considers themselves better or more important and shows this in a condescending way. Use Überlegenheit for the state itself and Überheblichkeit for the presumptuous behavior that accompanies it.
Seine Überheblichkeit zeigte sich darin, dass er jede Frage der Kollegen abtat.
His arrogance was evident in the way he dismissed every question from his colleagues.
Seine fachliche Überlegenheit zeigte sich, ohne dass er die anderen schlecht behandelte.
His professional superiority was evident without him treating the others badly.
