contemptuous

/kən'temptjuəs/

Thân thiện

She gave him a contemptuous look before turning away.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Expressing or feeling deep hatred or disapproval; scornful: Showing or feeling that someone or something is worthless or deserving of disdain. 2. Manifesting a lack of respect; disdainful: Characterized by an attitude that looks down upon someone or something as inferior.

Usage and Examples

The adjective "contemptuous" is used to describe a person, their behavior, attitude, or expression that shows strong contempt.

• She gave a contemptuous laugh at his suggestion.
• His contemptuous tone made it clear he thought the idea was foolish.
• The critic's review was openly contemptuous of the author's work.
• He was contemptuous of their attempts to negotiate.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "contemptuous of": This is the most common prepositional phrase used with "contemptuous," indicating the target of the scorn.
  • She was openly contemptuous of their traditional values.
• It often implies a sense of moral or intellectual superiority from the person feeling contempt.
• The word is stronger than "disdainful" or "scornful," suggesting a more profound and active feeling of disgust or hatred.

Variants and Related Words

• Contempt (noun): The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn.
  • He felt nothing but contempt for the traitor.
• Contemptibly (adverb): In a manner deserving contempt.
  • He acted contemptibly.
• Contemptibility (noun): The quality of being contemptible.

Synonyms

• Scornful: Feeling or expressing contempt or derision.
• Disdainful: Showing contempt or lack of respect.
• Derisive: Expressing contempt or ridicule.
• Sneering: Smiling or speaking in a contemptuous or mocking manner.

Antonyms

• Respectful: Feeling or showing deference and respect.
• Admiring: Regarding with wonder, pleasure, or approval.
• Reverent: Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.

Idioms and Phrases

• A contemptuous sneer/smile/look: A facial expression that clearly shows contempt.
  • She answered his question with a contemptuous sneer.
• To be held in contempt: (A legal and figurative phrase) To be considered deserving of scorn or to be judged disobedient to the orders of a court.
  • The witness was held in contempt of court for refusing to answer. (Note: This idiom uses the noun "contempt," not the adjective "contemptuous.")

Học thuật

Adjective

1. expressing extreme contempt

Từ đồng nghĩa

• disdainful
• insulting
• scornful