dismissive
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- stopping to associate with
- they took dismissive action after the third violation
- 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'