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Contemptuous: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

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

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.