sneer
/sniə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A contemptuous or scornful remark: A spoken expression of derision or mockery.
- A facial expression of contempt or scorn: A look characterized by a curling of the upper lip, showing disdain.
Verb:
- To smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner: To express scorn or derision through a facial expression or words.
- To express (an emotion or attitude) through a scornful smile or remark: To convey feelings like contempt via a sneer.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- His comment was not a critique but a cruel sneer.
- She responded with a sneer, her lip curling in disdain.
Verb:
- "You call that art?" he sneered.
- The critic sneered at the amateur performance.
- She sneered her disbelief at the outlandish claim.
Advanced Usage
"to sneer at": To show contempt or scorn for someone or something.
- He always sneers at popular culture, considering it beneath him.
"to be the target of a sneer": To be treated with scornful mockery.
- Her innovative ideas were often the target of sneers from traditionalists.
Variants and Related Words
Sneering (adj.): Showing contempt or scorn.
- He gave a sneering laugh.
Sneeringly (adv.): In a contemptuous or scornful manner.
- She replied sneeringly.
Synonyms
- Scorn: The feeling or expression of contempt.
- Deride: To express contempt for; to ridicule.
- Mock: To tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner.
Related Phrases
"a sneer of contempt": A sneer that specifically shows deep disdain.
- His face twisted into a sneer of contempt.
"to curl one's lip in a sneer": To make the facial expression characteristic of a sneer.
- She merely curled her lip in a sneer and turned away.
Noun
- a contemptuous or scornful remark
- a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
Verb
- smile contemptuously
- she sneered at her little sister's efforts to play the song on the piano
- express through a scornful smile
- she sneered her contempt