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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

Word origin

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.