Scornfully: meaning, definitions and examples

😠
Add to dictionary

scornfully

 

[ˈskɔːrnfəli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a contemptuous or disdainful manner

Scornfully is an adverb that describes the action of doing something with contempt or disdain. It implies a feeling of superiority or disrespect towards someone or something.

Synonyms

contemptuously, disdainfully, mockingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
scornfully

Used when expressing contempt or disdain with a serious and harsh tone. It suggests a strong feeling of rejection or disapproval.

  • She looked at him scornfully, clearly unimpressed by his excuses.
  • He replied scornfully, making it clear he thought the idea was ridiculous.
contemptuously

Used when showing a deep lack of respect or disregard for someone or something. It often implies a moral superiority. This word has a negative connotation.

  • He spoke contemptuously about the company's new policy.
  • She glanced contemptuously at the mess on the table.
disdainfully

Often used when expressing a feeling of superiority or indifference, usually in a soft or even elegant manner that still conveys strong disapproval.

  • She raised her eyebrows disdainfully at the unruly behavior.
  • He dismissed the suggestion disdainfully, as if it wasn't worth his time.
mockingly

Used when ridiculing or making fun of someone or something in a sarcastic or derisive way. This word can be playful but is often negative.

  • They laughed mockingly at his mispronunciation.
  • She mimicked his voice mockingly, making everyone else laugh.

Examples of usage

  • He looked at her scornfully, his eyes filled with disdain.
  • She spoke scornfully of his efforts, belittling his achievements.
  • The teacher scornfully dismissed the student's excuses for not completing the assignment.
  • I could tell by the tone of her voice that she was speaking scornfully of the new policy.
  • The way he smirked scornfully at her suggested he didn't take her seriously.

Translations

Translations of the word "scornfully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desdenhosamente

🇮🇳 तिरस्कारपूर्वक

🇩🇪 verächtlich

🇮🇩 dengan menghina

🇺🇦 зневажливо

🇵🇱 pogardliwie

🇯🇵 軽蔑的に (けいべつてきに)

🇫🇷 dédaigneusement

🇪🇸 desdeñosamente

🇹🇷 küçümseyerek

🇰🇷 경멸적으로

🇸🇦 بازدراء

🇨🇿 pohrdavě

🇸🇰 pohŕdavo

🇨🇳 轻蔑地 (qīngmiè de)

🇸🇮 prezirljivo

🇮🇸 fyrirlitlega

🇰🇿 менсінбей

🇬🇪 ზიზღით (zizgit)

🇦🇿 nifrətlə

🇲🇽 desdeñosamente

Etymology

The word 'scornfully' is derived from the noun 'scorn', which originated from Old French 'escarn' and Latin 'ex- (out of) + cornu (horn)'. The idea behind 'scorn' is the notion of turning up one's nose or looking down on something with disdain. The adverb 'scornfully' developed from this concept to describe actions done with contempt or disdain.

See also: scorn, scornful.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,213, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.