It refers to the psychological state of feeling superior to others through social or personal comparison.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A subjective feeling of being better than others.
- Often stems from comparisons in wealth, status, or ability.
- Can carry a negative connotation of arrogance or elitism.
Overview
- 1概述：优越感（Sense of Superiority）是一个心理学和社会学中常用的词汇。它描述的是一种主观的心理状态，即个体通过将自己与他人进行比较，得出自己更胜一筹的结论。这种情感可以是健康的自信表现，但在大多数语境下，它往往暗示着一种自大或对他人的轻视。2) 用法模式：通常作为名词使用。常见的动词搭配有“产生”、“具有”、“流露出”或“消除”。在句中常作主语或宾语。例如：“他身上总有一种莫名的优越感。” 3) 常见语境：常见于描述社会阶层、教育背景、经济实力或外貌等方面的差异。在讨论人际关系、职场竞争或社会心理时频繁出现。 4) 词义辨析：与“自豪感”不同，自豪通常源于自身的成就，而优越感则强调整体地位的对比；与“自尊心”不同，自尊是内在价值的肯定，不需要通过贬低他人来维持。
Examples
尽管他很有钱，但他从不表现出任何优越感。
everydayDespite being wealthy, he never shows any sense of superiority.
这种制度上的优越感在报告中得到了充分体现。
formalThis institutional sense of superiority was fully reflected in the report.
别在那儿秀你的优越感了，没人想看。
informalStop showing off your sense of superiority; nobody wants to see it.
心理学家研究了优越感与个体自尊心之间的相关性。
academicPsychologists have studied the correlation between a sense of superiority and individual self-esteem.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
智力优越感
intellectual superiority
文化优越感
cultural superiority
消除优越感
to eliminate the sense of superiority
Often Confused With
Pride is generally positive and achievement-based, while superiority is comparative and often carries a negative tone of looking down on others.
Superiority (优势) refers to an actual objective advantage, while '优越感' is the subjective feeling of being better.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is neutral-to-negative. It is frequently used in social criticism to describe interpersonal friction. In casual speech, it often implies that someone is being 'stuck-up' or elitist.
Common Mistakes
Do not use '优越感' when you simply mean someone is 'good' at something. It must involve the psychological feeling of being 'better than' others. Also, do not confuse it with '优势' (advantage).
Tips
Using it to describe social dynamics
It is an excellent word for describing the tension between different social classes or groups in literature and social commentary.
Avoid using it as a compliment
Telling someone they have a 'sense of superiority' is usually perceived as a criticism of their arrogance.
Humility vs. Superiority
In Chinese culture, displaying too much superiority is seen as a lack of '谦虚' (humility), which is a highly valued virtue.
Word Origin
A compound of '优越' (superior/outstanding) and '感' (sense/feeling). It became a standard term in modern Chinese to translate psychological concepts of superiority complexes.
Cultural Context
In modern Chinese internet slang, '优越感' is often used to mock people who act elitist about their niche hobbies, such as 'listening to indie music' or 'using certain brands'.
Memory Tip
Think of '优' (Excellent) + '越' (Exceed) + '感' (Feeling). It is the 'feeling' that you 'exceed' others in 'excellence'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不完全是，但在中文语境中，它通常带有负面含义，暗示一个人傲慢或看不起别人。
自信是内在的自我认可，而优越感往往需要通过“比别人强”这种外部比较来获得满足。
可以使用“优越感十足”、“充满优越感”或“自视甚高”来形容。
可以，例如“名校毕业生的优越感”或“某种文化上的优越感”。
Test Yourself
他那种高人一等的___让周围的人感到很不舒服。
“高人一等”暗示认为自己比别人强，这与“优越感”的意思相符。
小明总觉得自己比班上其他同学都聪明，这种心态是：
认为自己比他人更聪明是一种典型的优越感表现。
带着 / 他 / 优越感 / 一种 / 总是
正确的语序是：主语 + 频率副词 + 动词短语 + 宾语。
Score: /3
Summary
It refers to the psychological state of feeling superior to others through social or personal comparison.
- A subjective feeling of being better than others.
- Often stems from comparisons in wealth, status, or ability.
- Can carry a negative connotation of arrogance or elitism.
Using it to describe social dynamics
It is an excellent word for describing the tension between different social classes or groups in literature and social commentary.
Avoid using it as a compliment
Telling someone they have a 'sense of superiority' is usually perceived as a criticism of their arrogance.
Humility vs. Superiority
In Chinese culture, displaying too much superiority is seen as a lack of '谦虚' (humility), which is a highly valued virtue.
Examples
4 of 4尽管他很有钱，但他从不表现出任何优越感。
Despite being wealthy, he never shows any sense of superiority.
这种制度上的优越感在报告中得到了充分体现。
This institutional sense of superiority was fully reflected in the report.
别在那儿秀你的优越感了，没人想看。
Stop showing off your sense of superiority; nobody wants to see it.
心理学家研究了优越感与个体自尊心之间的相关性。
Psychologists have studied the correlation between a sense of superiority and individual self-esteem.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
