English vocabulary · C1
Contemptuous
/kənˈtemptʃuəs/ · adj.
A contemptuous person thinks others are worth very little. Their face and words show no care for how those people feel.
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Example sentences
- His contemptuous stare hurt the chef.
- She gave a contemptuous laugh.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- contemptus — scorn (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SCORNFUL — showing no respect (Showing a low opinion)
- DISDAINFUL — thinking others are worth less (Feeling above others)
- SNEERING — showing a cruel low opinion (A cruel face or voice)
Similar words
- scornful
- disdainful
- sneering
- disrespectful
- derisive
Lesson notes
A contemptuous person thinks others are worth very little. Their face and words show no care for how those people feel.
Related: scornful, disdainful, sneering. Use contemptuous when showing scorn.
His contemptuous stare hurt the chef. She gave a contemptuous laugh.
From Latin. Contemptus- means scorn. Latin contemptus gives English contemptuous: scorn in cold eyes.