arch

• Describe a alguien o algo que muestra de manera deliberada o juguetona superioridad, conciencia o provocación, sugiriendo un sentido de ironía o suficiencia. También puede referirse a lo principal o prominente, como en 'arch enemy'.

Describes someone or something that is deliberately or playfully superior, knowing, or teasing in a way that suggests a sense of superiority or irony.

1. Playfully mischievousB2informal

   Characterized by a teasing, playful, or slightly naughty attitude.

   Picarón, juguetón

   • She gave him an arch smile before walking away.
   • His arch comment made everyone laugh.
   • The child's arch expression hinted at a prank.

   Sinónimosimpishknowingmischievousroguishsaucyslyteasingwaggish

   Antónimosearnestgraveserioussinceresolemnstraightforward

2. Condescending or superiorC1formal

   Showing a superior or condescending attitude, often with a hint of irony.

   condescendiente, altivo

   • He spoke in an arch tone, as if he knew better than everyone else.
   • Her arch remarks were meant to belittle his efforts.
   • The critic's arch review dismissed the film entirely.

   Sinónimoscondescendingdisdainfulhaughtypatronizingscornfulsmugsnobbishsupercilioussuperior

   Antónimosdeferentialhumblemodestrespectfulunassuming

3. Principal or chiefC1formal

   Being the most important or leading in a particular context.

   principal, máximo

   • He was the arch rival of the champion.
   • The arch villain in the story was finally defeated.
   • She is considered the arch authority on medieval history.

   Sinónimoschiefforemostleadingmainpreeminentpremierprimaryprimeprincipalsupremetop

   Antónimoslesserminorsecondarysubordinatesubsidiary

• Sustantivo que designa una estructura curva que cubre una abertura o un vano, o una forma arqueada; también se usa para referirse a una estructura ósea curva del cuerpo.

A noun referring to a curved structure spanning an opening, or a curved shape or form; also used to describe a curved bony structure in the body.

1. Curved architectural structureB1formalart

   A curved structure, typically made of stone or brick, that spans an opening and supports the weight above it.

   Arco arquitectónico

   • The ancient Romans were masters of the arch.
   • The cathedral's main entrance features a beautiful stone arch.
   • The bridge is supported by a series of steel arches.

   Sinónimosarcarchwayspanvault

2. Curved passagewayB1formal

   A passageway or entrance that is covered by a curved masonry construction.

   Arco (pasaje curvo)

   • We walked through the arch into the courtyard.
   • The garden is hidden behind a vine-covered arch.
   • The arch leads to a small, quiet square.

   Sinónimosarchway

3. Curved foot structureB1formalmedical

   The curved, bony part on the underside of the foot that helps support the body's weight.

   Arco del pie

   • Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses.
   • Runners often suffer from pain in their arches.
   • The doctor examined the arch of her foot for any injury.

4. Playful or mischievousC1informal

   Having a playful, mischievous, or knowingly superior attitude.

   Archi, pícaro o travieso

   • She gave him an arch look, hinting at a secret.
   • His arch tone suggested he knew more than he was letting on.
   • The comedian's arch humor delighted the audience.

   Sinónimosimpishknowingmischievousplayfulroguishsaucyslywaggish

   Antónimosearnestgraveserioussinceresolemn

5. Principal or chiefC1formal

   Used to describe someone who is a principal or leading figure, often in a negative context.

   archi- / principal

   • He is the family's arch rival in business.
   • The story's arch villain was finally defeated.
   • She is an arch conservative in her political views.

   Sinónimoschiefforemostleadingpreeminentprincipalsupreme

• Formar o curvar algo en forma de arco, o extenderse sobre algo como un arco.

A verb used to indicate the act of forming or bending into a curved shape, or to span or cover with an arch.

1. Form a curveB2formal

   To bend or shape into a curved structure, like an arch.

   Formar un arco

   • The cat arched its back when it saw the dog.
   • The bridge arches gracefully over the river.
   • She arched her eyebrows in surprise.

   Sinónimosarcbendbowcurvevault

   Antónimosflattenlevelstraighten

Variantes phrasalarch over