Contemptuous: meaning, definitions and examples

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contemptuous

 

[ kənˈtɛm(p)tjʊəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

attitude towards someone or something

Showing contempt; scornful

Synonyms

derisive, disdainful, disrespectful

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

Translations of the word "contemptuous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desdenhoso

🇮🇳 तिरस्कारपूर्ण

🇩🇪 verächtlich

🇮🇩 menghina

🇺🇦 зневажливий

🇵🇱 pogardliwy

🇯🇵 軽蔑的な

🇫🇷 méprisant

🇪🇸 despectivo

🇹🇷 aşağılayıcı

🇰🇷 경멸하는

🇸🇦 محتقر

🇨🇿 pohrdavý

🇸🇰 pohrdavý

🇨🇳 轻蔑的

🇸🇮 prezirljiv

🇮🇸 fyrirlitinn

🇰🇿 менсінбеушілік

🇬🇪 დამცინავი

🇦🇿 təhqiramiz

🇲🇽 despectivo

Etymology

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.