Contemptuous Meaning in English
word
kənˈtɛmptʃuəs
kuhn-TEMP-choo-uhs
kəntˈɛmptʃuːəs
kuhn-TEMP-choo-uhs
Definition
Showing or expressing a strong lack of respect for someone or something; feeling or acting as if someone is not worth your attention.
Usage & Nuances
Used in formal or literary contexts. Commonly used to describe facial expressions ('a contemptuous glance'), tone, or remarks. Do not confuse with 'contemptible' (deserving contempt). Pairs with 'look', 'smile', 'remark', or 'attitude'.
Spanish: desdeñoso - despreciativoPortuguese (BR): desdenhoso - desprezativoPortuguese (PT): desdenhoso - desprezadorChinese (Simplified): 轻蔑的 - 蔑视的Chinese (Traditional): 輕蔑的 - 蔑視的Hindi: तिरस्कारपूर्ण - अवमाननापूर्णArabic: ازدرائي - محتقرBengali: অবজ্ঞাসূচক - অবমাননাপূর্ণRussian: презрительныйJapanese: 軽蔑的なVietnamese: khinh miệt - coi thườngKorean: 경멸하는 - 모욕적인Turkish: aşağılayıcı - küçümseyiciUrdu: تحقیر آمیزIndonesian: menghina - mencemooh
Example Sentences
She gave him a contemptuous look.
basic
His contemptuous smile made her angry.
basic
He spoke in a contemptuous tone.
basic
With a contemptuous shrug, she walked away without answering.
natural
He made a contemptuous remark about their efforts, which upset the whole group.
natural
Don’t be so contemptuous just because you disagree; everyone deserves respect.
natural