Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Showing a lack of interest or regard; indicating that something or someone is unworthy of consideration: The word "dismissive" describes an attitude or behavior that treats something as unimportant, insignificant, or not worthy of serious attention.
   • Intending to end an association or connection: "Dismissive" can also describe actions or attitudes that serve to reject, disregard, or terminate a relationship or interaction.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • She gave a dismissive wave of her hand, indicating the topic was closed. (This shows a gesture of disregard.)
  • His dismissive tone during the meeting offended many colleagues. (This describes a manner of speaking that shows a lack of respect or consideration.)
  • The manager was dismissive of the new proposal without even reading it. (This indicates a prejudged lack of regard for an idea.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to be dismissive of": This is a common collocation used to show the target of the disregard.
  • He is often dismissive of criticism, which hinders his growth.
• Dismissive as a form of nonverbal communication: A dismissive look, shrug, or sigh can convey rejection or indifference without words.
  • Her dismissive shrug told me she didn't care about the outcome.

Variants and Related Words

• Dismiss (verb): To send away, to decide that something or someone is not important, or to terminate employment.
  • The judge chose to dismiss the case.
• Dismissal (noun): The act of dismissing someone or something.
  • His dismissal from the company was unexpected.
• Dismissively (adverb): In a dismissive manner.
  • He answered dismissively, barely looking up from his phone.

Synonyms

• Contemptuous: Showing deep hatred or disapproval; scornful. (Often stronger than dismissive.)
• Disdainful: Showing that someone or something is considered unworthy of respect. (Similar to dismissive but with more active scorn.)
• Indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned. (May imply passive lack of care rather than active rejection.)
• Scornful: Feeling or expressing contempt or derision.

Antonyms

• Attentive: Paying close attention.
• Considerate: Careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others.
• Receptive: Willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas.
• Respectful: Showing deference and esteem.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To brush off (someone/something): To dismiss or ignore someone or something casually.
  • He brushed off my concerns, saying I was worrying too much. (This phrasal verb conveys a dismissive action.)
• To turn a deaf ear: To refuse to listen or respond.
  • The government turned a deaf ear to the protesters' demands. (This idiom implies a dismissive refusal to engage.)

Adjective

1. stopping to associate with
   • they took dismissive action after the third violation
2. showing indifference or disregard
   • a dismissive shrug
   • the firm is dismissive of the competitor's product
   • 'chronic fatigue syndrome' was known by the dismissive term 'housewife syndrome'