Disdainful: meaning, definitions and examples
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disdainful
[dɪsˈdeɪnfʊl ]
Definitions
attitude towards someone or something
Showing contempt or lack of respect.
Synonyms
contemptuous, disrespectful, scornful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
disdainful |
When conveying a sense of arrogance and a belief that something or someone is not deserving of respect.
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contemptuous |
Used when showing deep disapproval and a sense that something or someone is truly beneath consideration, often with a moral or ethical judgment.
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disrespectful |
Used when describing behavior that is rude or lacking in respect for things or people, often referring to actions rather than attitudes.
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scornful |
When expressing harsh criticism or a strong feeling of contempt, often in a public or visible manner.
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Examples of usage
- He gave her a disdainful look.
- She responded with a disdainful tone.
behavior or expression
Feeling or showing haughty disdain.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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haughty |
This word is used to describe someone who is very proud and looks down on others, often with a sense of superiority.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- ...
- 24650 flamed
- 24651 jumbo
- 24652 prospector
- 24653 disdainful
- 24654 repeatable
- 24655 smelly
- 24656 sneering
- ...