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Dismissive: meaning, definitions and examples

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dismissive

 

[ dɪsˈmɪsɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

attitude towards someone or something

Showing a lack of interest or respect; indicating a feeling that something is not worth serious attention.

Synonyms

contemptuous, derisive, disdainful, disrespectful, scornful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dismissive

Used when you want to show that someone is not taking something seriously or giving it the importance it deserves.

  • She gave a dismissive wave and walked away.
  • His dismissive attitude during the meeting annoyed everyone.
disdainful

Used when someone shows they believe they are superior and dismisses something as unworthy.

  • She was disdainful of the proposal, saying it was beneath consideration.
  • His disdainful glance said everything.
scornful

Used when expressing strong disapproval and contempt.

  • He gave a scornful laugh at the suggestion.
  • Her scornful eyes flashed with anger.
contemptuous

Used when expressing a deep lack of respect, often because you think something or someone is worthless.

  • She shot him a contemptuous look.
  • He was openly contemptuous of his boss's decision.
derisive

Used to describe speech or behavior that mocks or ridicules someone or something.

  • His derisive laughter made her feel small.
  • The audience's reaction was derisive and harsh.
disrespectful

Used to describe behavior that shows a lack of respect or courtesy.

  • She was reprimanded for her disrespectful comments.
  • His actions were highly disrespectful to the guest speaker.

Examples of usage

  • He responded with a dismissive wave of his hand.
  • She gave a dismissive shrug when asked about the topic.
  • The teacher's dismissive attitude towards the student's question was discouraging.
  • Ignoring her friend's dismissive comments, she continued with her presentation.
  • Don't be dismissive of his ideas; he might have some valuable insights.

Translations

Translations of the word "dismissive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desdenhoso

🇮🇳 अवमाननापूर्ण

🇩🇪 abschätzig

🇮🇩 menghina

🇺🇦 зневажливий

🇵🇱 lekceważący

🇯🇵 軽蔑的

🇫🇷 dédaigneux

🇪🇸 desdeñoso

🇹🇷 küçümseyen

🇰🇷 경멸하는

🇸🇦 ازدرائي

🇨🇿 pohrdavý

🇸🇰 pohŕdavý

🇨🇳 轻蔑的

🇸🇮 prezirljiv

🇮🇸 fyrirlitinn

🇰🇿 менсінбеушілік

🇬🇪 ზიზღნეული

🇦🇿 nifrətli

🇲🇽 desdeñoso

Etymology

The word 'dismissive' originated in the early 19th century from the verb 'dismiss', which comes from the Latin word 'dimittere' meaning 'to send away'. The adjective 'dismissive' evolved to describe an attitude of disregarding or rejecting something or someone. Over time, it has become commonly used in various contexts to convey a sense of indifference or lack of regard.

See also: dismissal, dismissed, dismissing, dismission.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,478, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.