Sneered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sneered
[snɪrd ]
Definition
mocking expression
To sneer is to smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner. It often conveys disdain or scorn towards someone or something. The action typically involves a curling of the lip, suggesting arrogance or superiority. This term is often used in contexts where one person looks down on another or ridicules their ideas or actions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She sneered at his attempt to impress her.
- The critics sneered at the new film.
- He couldn't help but sneer when he heard the ridiculous excuse.
Translations
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Origin of 'sneered'
The word 'sneer' originates from the Old English 'snear', which means to 'smile contemptuously'. The term has evolved through Middle English, maintaining its core meaning related to expressions of scorn and derision. Traditionally, a sneer conveys a sense of superiority, often directed toward someone perceived as inferior or laughable. This notion of mocking or ridiculing has been present in various forms throughout literature and rhetoric, reflecting societal attitudes toward those who are looked down upon. As language evolved, 'sneer' integrated into common vernacular, embodying not just facial expressions but also verbal acts of derision.