arch

• 形容某人或某物故意或调皮地表现出优越感、知情或戏弄，暗示一种高高在上或讽刺的态度。

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.

   顽皮的

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

   同义词impishknowingmischievousroguishsaucyslyteasingwaggish

   反义词earnestgraveserioussinceresolemnstraightforward

2. Condescending or superiorC1formal

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

   居高临下的

   • 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.

   同义词condescendingdisdainfulhaughtypatronizingscornfulsmugsnobbishsupercilioussuperior

   反义词deferentialhumblemodestrespectfulunassuming

3. Principal or chiefC1formal

   Being the most important or leading in a particular context.

   主要的

   • 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.

   同义词chiefforemostleadingmainpreeminentpremierprimaryprimeprincipalsupremetop

   反义词lesserminorsecondarysubordinatesubsidiary

• 名词，指跨越门洞或开口的弧形结构；也泛指弧形或弓形，并可用于描述身体中弯曲的骨性结构。

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.

   拱

   • 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.

   同义词arcarchwayspanvault

2. Curved passagewayB1formal

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

   拱门

   • 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.

   同义词archway

3. Curved foot structureB1formalmedical

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

   足弓

   • 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.

   调皮或狡黠

   • 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.

   同义词impishknowingmischievousplayfulroguishsaucyslywaggish

   反义词earnestgraveserioussinceresolemn

5. Principal or chiefC1formal

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

   主要的

   • 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.

   同义词chiefforemostleadingpreeminentprincipalsupreme

• 动词，指使某物弯曲成弧形，或指用拱形结构覆盖、跨越某物。

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.

   拱起

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

   同义词arcbendbowcurvevault

   反义词flattenlevelstraighten

短语动词变体arch over