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überlegen

superior, having an air of superiority

adjective ue-ber-LAY-gen Rare
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Also means

to deliberate, think over

Usage Note

überlegen as an adjective means being or acting superior to others — mit überlegenem Lächeln (with a superior smile). It is a homograph of the verb überlegen (to think something over), identical in pronunciation. The adjective often carries a cool, condescending register.

Examples

"Er antwortete mit überlegenem Ton, als ob er schon alle Antworten kannte."

Natural Translation

He answered in a superior tone, as if he already knew all the answers.

Literal Translation

He answered with superior tone, as if he already knew all the answers.

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