Sniff at Meaning in English
expression
ˈsnɪf/ /ˈæt
SNIF-at
snˈɪf/ /ˈæt
sn-IF-at
Definition
To show that you do not value or respect something; to treat something as unimportant or not good enough.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Commonly used to warn that something shouldn't be dismissed, as in 'not to be sniffed at'. Rarely literal; refers to attitude, not smell. Often about opportunities, offers, or achievements.
Spanish: menospreciar - despreciarPortuguese (BR): menosprezar - desdenharPortuguese (PT): menosprezar - desdenharChinese (Simplified): 瞧不起 - 蔑视Chinese (Traditional): 瞧不起 - 蔑視Hindi: नाक-भौं सिकोड़ना - तिरस्कार करनाArabic: يستخف بـ - يزدريBengali: উপেক্ষা করা - তুচ্ছ মনে করাRussian: пренебрегать - относиться снисходительноJapanese: 軽く見る - 見下すVietnamese: xem thường - coi nhẹKorean: 무시하다 - 깔보다Turkish: küçümsemek - önemsememekUrdu: حقیر جاننا - اہمیت نہ دیناIndonesian: meremehkan - menyepelekan
Example Sentences
Don’t sniff at this job offer; it’s actually very good.
basic
Some people sniff at fast food, but many enjoy it.
basic
You shouldn’t sniff at small successes.
basic
That bonus is nothing to sniff at.
natural
A free meal is not something to sniff at, especially when you’re hungry.
natural
He tends to sniff at anything he didn’t choose himself.
natural