ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Contemptuous

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /kənˈtɛm(p).tʃu.əs/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Contemptuous is an adjective meaning Showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.

Meaning

Showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.

More Meanings

  1. (rare) Worthy of contempt; contemptible.

Example Sentences

Sir George burst into a loud fit of contemptuous laughter.
I don't know that guy, but he just gave me a contemptuous look.
The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite.[…]Can those harmless but refined fellow-diners be the selfish cads whose gluttony and personal appearance so raised your contemptuous wrath on your arrival?
Rep. Noble told GCN that she, however, had deep concern "regarding the scandalous sexual exploitation and abuse of young children by adults." Noble has called on the community to "support the efforts of the Suffolk County District Attorney's office in unraveling this contemptuous situation.

Synonyms for contemptuous

Depending on context, synonyms include disdainful, dismissive, slighting, scornful, disrespectful, insulting.

Antonyms for contemptuous

Common opposites include respectful.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include disdainful, scornful, insulting, disrespectful, despicable, deplorable.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.