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Contemptuous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contemptuous

[kənˈtɛm(p)tjʊəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

attitude towards someone or something

Showing contempt; scornful

Synonyms

derisive, disdainful, disrespectful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contemptuous

Used when someone feels strong disapproval and looks down on someone or something. It signifies a deep disdain and scorn.

  • She gave him a contemptuous look, signaling her disapproval
  • His contemptuous remarks about her work were hurtful and unnecessary
disdainful

Best used when someone shows a lack of respect towards others, treating them as if they are beneath consideration. It implies a haughty attitude.

  • She cast a disdainful glance at the messy room
  • His disdainful attitude towards his co-workers made him unpopular
disrespectful

Used when someone is showing a lack of respect, often in a rude or impolite way. It can cover a broad range of behaviors from mild rudeness to outright insubordination.

  • His disrespectful behavior in class got him a warning from the teacher
  • It’s disrespectful to interrupt someone while they are speaking
derisive

Appropriate when someone is mocking or ridiculing another person or idea in a scornful manner. The tone is often sarcastic.

  • His derisive laughter made her feel embarrassed
  • The derisive comments from the audience were discouraging

Examples of usage

  • He was very contemptuous towards the new employee.
  • She gave a contemptuous look to her rival.
  • The teacher's contemptuous tone made the students uncomfortable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature contemptuous characters who look down on others, like in 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen.
  • The term is often used in literary criticism to describe protagonists who act with disdain towards societal norms.

Psychology

  • Feeling contempt can be a sign of emotional detachment and can negatively impact interpersonal relationships.
  • Research shows that contempt is one of the four horsemen of negative communication patterns that can predict relationship breakdown.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, contemptuous attitudes often appear in reality TV, showcasing participants' disdain for each other.
  • Satirical comedy frequently employs contempt as a tool to amplify the ridiculousness of social norms.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche discussed contempt as a moral failing when it disregards the inherent value of humanity.
  • Existential thinkers often explore how contempt can arise from a despair of value in one's surroundings.

Origin of 'contemptuous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'contemptus,' which means scorn or disdain.
  • In Old French, it evolved into 'contempt' before finding its way into English in the late 14th century.

The word 'contemptuous' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'contemptuosus', which is derived from 'contemptus' meaning 'scorn'. The term has been used to describe a disdainful or disrespectful attitude towards someone or something.

See also: contempt, contemptible, contemptuously.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,505, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.