Dismissively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🙄
dismissively
[dɪsˈmɪsɪvli ]
Definition
attitude towards others
Dismissively describes a manner of speaking or behaving that shows a lack of respect or consideration for someone or something. It often implies that the speaker regards the subject as unworthy of attention or thought. For example, someone might wave off an important issue dismissively, suggesting they do not take it seriously. This term conveys arrogance or disdain and can significantly affect interpersonal communication.
Synonyms
contemptuously, disdainfully, dismissal, scornfully.
Examples of usage
- She waved her hand dismissively, not willing to engage in the conversation.
- He spoke dismissively about the report, indicating he had no interest in its contents.
- The manager dismissed the employee's concerns dismissively, leading to frustration.
- They laughed dismissively at the suggestion, signaling their lack of interest.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Communication
- Using a dismissive tone can often hurt relationships, as it implies one person's opinion is less valued than another's.
- Body language plays a huge role; crossing arms or rolling eyes can make dismissive behavior even more apparent.
Psychology
- Dismissive attitudes can stem from feelings of superiority or defensiveness, often leading to communication breakdowns.
- In therapeutic settings, a dismissive attitude from a therapist can lead clients to feel invalidated and reluctant to share.
Pop Culture
- Characters in movies often express dismissiveness to highlight conflict, showing how misunderstandings can create dramatic tension.
- Social media interactions frequently display dismissive comments, where users overlook thoughtful expressions in favor of quick judgments.
Literature
- In literature, dismissive characters often serve as antagonists, belittling protagonists and their goals, creating tension in the story.
- Classic authors like Jane Austen explored dismissive attitudes in social settings, revealing the impact on personal relationships.
Origin of 'dismissively'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'dismiss', which means to let go or to send away, with the suffix '-ively' indicating a manner.
- In English, 'dismiss' has roots in the Latin word 'dimittere', meaning to send away or release.
The word 'dismissively' derives from the verb 'dismiss', which comes from the Latin 'dimittere', meaning 'to send away'. The prefix 'dis-' indicates a negative or opposite force, while 'miss' relates to sending or letting go. The transition to English occurred in the late 14th century, with 'dismiss' first appearing in various forms by the 14th and 15th centuries. The adverbial form 'dismissively' emerged later, encompassing the attitude of making something or someone feel unworthy of consideration. The use of 'dismissively' helps articulate a common, yet often subtle, social behavior where individuals distance themselves from discussions or matters they perceive as trivial or unimportant.