superiority

[ suh-peer-ee-awr-i-tee, -or-, soo- ]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being superior.

Word History and Origins

Origin of superiority¹

First recorded in 1520–30, superiority is from the Medieval Latin word superiōritāt- (stem of superiōritās ). See superior, -ity

Example Sentences

Eventually, philosophers arrived at the superiority theory of humor, according to which every joke is, at its core, a hostile attack designed to affirm the comic’s dominance and assure the subjugation of its target.

From Salon

Hitler himself is said to have called Grant’s book, “The Passing of the Great Race,” about European racial superiority, “my bible.”

From Salon

Hegseth envisions the military as a safe space for straight white men, where their fantasy of inherent superiority is carefully protected from real-world evidence that other people are strong, smart and capable.

From Salon

The suspicion is that Gallant’s military superiority and respect from within the armed forces grated with his boss.

From BBC

New Zealand dealt England a deflating start to their autumn campaign as Mark Tele'a came back off the bench to score a decisive 76th-minute try and continue the All Blacks' run of superiority.

From BBC

Related Words

• dominance
• excellence
• perfection
• preeminence
• prestige
• supremacy
• upper hand