Disdainful: meaning, definitions and examples

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disdainful

 

[dɪsˈdeɪnfʊl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

attitude towards someone or something

Showing contempt or lack of respect.

Synonyms

contemptuous, disrespectful, scornful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disdainful

When conveying a sense of arrogance and a belief that something or someone is not deserving of respect.

  • Her disdainful attitude toward the less fortunate was troubling
contemptuous

Used when showing deep disapproval and a sense that something or someone is truly beneath consideration, often with a moral or ethical judgment.

  • He made a contemptuous remark about the corrupt practices in the company
disrespectful

Used when describing behavior that is rude or lacking in respect for things or people, often referring to actions rather than attitudes.

  • The student's disrespectful behavior towards the teacher was unacceptable
scornful

When expressing harsh criticism or a strong feeling of contempt, often in a public or visible manner.

  • He was scornful of their attempts to solve the problem without consulting experts

Examples of usage

  • He gave her a disdainful look.
  • She responded with a disdainful tone.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior or expression

Feeling or showing haughty disdain.

Synonyms

arrogant, haughty, snobbish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disdainful

This is often used when someone is showing contempt or lack of respect for others, usually because they consider them to be inferior.

  • She gave him a disdainful glance when he suggested a different approach.
  • His disdainful attitude towards his coworkers made him unpopular in the office.
haughty

This word is used to describe someone who is very proud and looks down on others, often with a sense of superiority.

  • The haughty aristocrat refused to speak with the common folk.
  • Her haughty manner alienated many of her classmates.
arrogant

This is typically used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities and they often believe they are better than others.

  • His arrogant demeanor made it difficult for others to work with him.
  • She sounded so arrogant when she bragged about her accomplishments.
snobbish

This term is used for someone who tends to admire people of higher social class or wealth while showing disdain for those they consider socially inferior.

  • He was criticized for his snobbish attitude towards the new employees.
  • The snobbish socialite wouldn't be seen in anything less than designer clothing.

Examples of usage

  • His disdainful attitude towards the staff was evident.
  • The actress was known for her disdainful remarks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'desdignare', which means to unworthy or scorn.
  • It first entered the English language in the late 14th century, evolving from meanings involving contempt.

Literature

  • Many classic authors, like Shakespeare, used the term to illustrate the attitudes of aristocracy versus common people.
  • In modern literature, characters who exhibit disdainful behaviors often highlight social class differences.

Psychology

  • People may exhibit disdain as a defense mechanism, often stemming from insecurities or feelings of inferiority.
  • Disdainful attitudes can affect social interactions, as they create barriers and hinder effective communication.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, showing disdain can be viewed as a severe social faux pas, resulting in ostracism.
  • Conversely, certain cultures might see disdain as a sign of strength or assertiveness, particularly in hierarchical settings.

Pop Culture

  • Disdainful characters are often popular in movies or TV shows, frequently depicted as villains with a superiority complex.
  • The portrayal of disdainful figures in reality TV reflects societal fascination with elitist attitudes.

Translations

Translations of the word "disdainful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desdenhoso

🇮🇳 तिरस्कारपूर्ण

🇩🇪 verächtlich

🇮🇩 menghina

🇺🇦 зневажливий

🇵🇱 pogardliwy

🇯🇵 軽蔑的な

🇫🇷 dédaigneux

🇪🇸 desdeñoso

🇹🇷 küçümseyen

🇰🇷 경멸하는

🇸🇦 مستهين

🇨🇿 pohrdavý

🇸🇰 pohrdavý

🇨🇳 轻蔑的

🇸🇮 prezirljiv

🇮🇸 fyrirlitinn

🇰🇿 менсінбеушілік

🇬🇪 ზიზღით

🇦🇿 təkliklə

🇲🇽 desdeñoso

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,653, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.