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contemptuousShowing or expressing deep disrespect, scorn, or disdain for someone or something. Characterized by a feeling of superiority and dismissive attitude.

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: Showing or expressing deep disrespect, scorn, or disdain for someone or something. Characterized by a feeling of superiority and dismissive attitude.

Pronunciation (IPA): /kənˈtemptʃuəs/

Example Sentences

  • The food critic's contemptuous review made the restaurant owner cry into his soup.
  • His contemptuous rejection of all modern art revealed his narrow-minded perspective.
  • The teenager's contemptuous eye-roll was so dramatic it practically created its own weather system.

contemptuous

ADJECTIVE

[/kənˈtemptʃuəs/]

Showing or expressing deep disrespect, scorn, or disdain for someone or something. Characterized by a feeling of superiority and dismissive attitude.

She gave him a contemptuous look and walked away.
💡 Concept

She gave him a contemptuous look and walked away.

The critic sounded contemptuous during the interview. (😒 Look Down On + 🚫 No Respect → Contemptuous)
🧠 Mnemonic

The critic sounded contemptuous during the interview. (😒 Look Down On + 🚫 No Respect → Contemptuous)

His contemptuous attitude disappeared after his opponent became victorious and glorious.
🎵 Rhyme

His contemptuous attitude disappeared after his opponent became victorious and glorious.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/kənˈtemptʃuəs/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcon--
Roottempt
Suffix--uous

Origin

From Latin 'contemnere' meaning 'to despise or scorn.' The word literally meant 'to look down upon completely.'

Breakdown

con- (completely/thoroughly) + temn- (to despise/scorn) + -uous (adjective suffix meaning 'full of')

🎵Rhyme

presumptuoussumptuousscrumptious

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The food critic's contemptuous review made the restaurant owner cry into his soup.

His contemptuous rejection of all modern art revealed his narrow-minded perspective.

😄 Fun example

The teenager's contemptuous eye-roll was so dramatic it practically created its own weather system.

She was contemptuous of people who valued money over relationships.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

scornfuldisdainfulsneeringderisivedismissive

Antonyms

respectfuladmiring

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