contumely

/'kɔntjumli/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
contumely

A student faces contumely from a classmate after a mistake.

Definition

Noun: 1. Insulting language or treatment; scornful rudeness: Contumely refers to speech or behavior that is arrogantly insulting and shows contempt for someone. It implies a deliberate and often public humiliation. 2. An instance of such language or treatment; a scornful insult: It can also refer to a specific act or expression of such contemptuous offense.

Usage
  • Contumely is a formal and literary word, most often found in written English, historical contexts, or discussions of serious social or political criticism. It describes a severe, contemptuous insult that wounds a person's dignity.
  • It is typically used as an uncountable noun (referring to the general concept of insulting treatment) but can also be countable when referring to specific instances.
  • Common structures: "to be subjected to contumely," "to heap contumely on someone," "to suffer the contumely of."
Examples
  • The reformer faced widespread contumely from the conservative press for her radical ideas.
  • He endured the contumely of his rivals in silence, refusing to respond in kind.
  • The king's decree was met with contumelies from the rebellious nobles.
  • She resigned from her post, unable to bear the constant contumely from her supervisor.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be a target of contumely": To be the object of public scorn and insult.
    • The whistleblower became a target of contumely from within the organization.
  • "To treat someone with contumely": To treat someone with arrogant disdain and insulting rudeness.
    • The official treated the petitioners with utter contumely, dismissing their concerns outright.
Variants and Related Words
  • Contumelious (adjective): Characterized by, or expressing, contumely; scornfully insulting.
    • He made a contumelious remark about their abilities.
  • Contumaciously (adverb): While related etymologically, this word means "in a stubbornly disobedient way" and is a distinct term from .
Synonyms
  • Abuse: Coarse and insulting language.
  • Insolence: Rude and disrespectful behavior.
  • Scorn: The feeling or expression of contempt.
  • Derision: Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
  • Vilification: Abusively disparaging speech or writing.
  • Opprobrium: Harsh criticism or public disgrace.
Antonyms
  • Praise: Expression of approval or admiration.
  • Respect: A feeling of deep admiration or courteous regard.
  • Courtesy: Polite behavior that shows respect for others.
  • Homage: Special honor or respect shown publicly.
  • Deference: Humble submission and respect.
Idioms and Phrases
  • Heap contumely upon: To shower someone with insults and scorn.
    • The critic heaped contumely upon the artist's latest work.
  • Subject to contumely: To force someone to endure insulting treatment.
    • His unpopular decision subjected him to public contumely.
contumely

A student faces contumely from a classmate after a mistake.

Noun
  1. a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
    • when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse
    • they yelled insults at the visiting team

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