Contemptuously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
contemptuously
[kษnหtemptjuษsli ]
Definition
spoken language
in a scornful way that shows disdain or lack of respect
Synonyms
disdainfully, disrespectfully, scornfully.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contemptuously |
Used when you want to show intense dislike or lack of respect for someone or something. Often indicates a feeling of superiority.
|
| disdainfully |
Applied when showing a strong dislike and a sense of superiority. It's often used in more formal situations or when describing an attitude of haughty indifference.
|
| scornfully |
Employed when expressing an attitude of disdain mixed with mockery. It often implies that the person being scorned is considered foolish or inferior.
|
| disrespectfully |
Used when showing a lack of respect, often towards authority or social norms. This word can carry a negative connotation and is often associated with rude behavior.
|
Examples of usage
- She looked at him contemptuously.
- He spoke contemptuously of her work.
- She raised her eyebrows contemptuously at his suggestion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Expressing contempt can be a form of defense mechanism, helping individuals distance themselves from discomfort.
- Studies show that contempt can have destructive effects on relationships, often leading to conflict and resentment.
- Psychologists suggest that contempt is one of the strongest predictors of relationship breakdown, more so than anger.
Literature
- In various literary works, characters display contempt to signify power imbalances, showcasing disdain for those perceived as inferior.
- Contemptuous dialogue often reveals deep-seated conflicts between characters, adding tension to the narrative.
- Famous authors, like Charles Dickens, used contemptuous characters to critique societal norms and injustices.
Pop Culture
- Contempt is often portrayed in movies through eye-rolling or sarcastic remarks, indicating characters' judgments.
- Television shows often use contemptuous humor, with characters expressing disdain for societal norms or conventions.
- Social media influencers might use contempt in their commentary to provoke reactions and highlight flaws in products or trends.
Communication
- Non-verbal cues, like a dismissive wave or a scoffing laugh, often accompany contemptuous statements, enhancing their impact.
- Contemptuous language can undermine constructive dialogue, leading to misunderstandings and escalated conflicts.
- In public speaking, showing contempt for opposing views can alienate an audience, highlighting the fine line between critique and disrespect.
Origin of 'contemptuously'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'contemptus,' meaning 'scorn' or 'disdain.'
- It first appeared in English around the late 16th century, connected to feelings of strong disapproval.
- The prefix 'con-' means 'with,' hinting at a strong, negative feeling directed towards something.
The word 'contemptuously' is derived from the word 'contemptuous', which comes from the Latin word 'contemptuosus', meaning 'scornful' or 'disdainful'. The suffix '-ly' is added to form the adverb 'contemptuously', which means 'in a scornful way'. The use of the word can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was used to describe behavior that showed disdain or lack of respect.
See also: contempt, contemptible, contemptuous.