contemptuous

[ kuhn-temp-choo-uhs ]

adjective

1. showing or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful; disrespectful.

   Synonyms: haughty, supercilious, arrogant, insolent, disdainful

   Antonyms: respectful

contemptuous

/ kənˈtɛmptjʊəs /

adjective

1. whenpredicative, often foll by of showing or feeling contempt; disdainful

Derived Forms

• conˈtemptuousness, noun
• conˈtemptuously, adverb

Other Words From

• con·temp·tu·ous·ly adverb
• con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun
• half-con·temp·tu·ous adjective
• non·con·temp·tu·ous adjective
• non·con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun
• un·con·temp·tu·ous adjective
• un·con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemptuous¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin contemptu-, stem of contemptus “a slighting” ( contempt ) + -ous

Example Sentences

A “cuck,” according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “often used as an insulting and contemptuous term for a man who has politically progressive or moderate views.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It was a pretty negative performance — pretty pessimistic, cynical, contemptuous,” he said on Piers Morgan Uncensored, adding: “And I think that this will cost him, yes.”

From Salon

The 27-year veteran of the agency was obstructive and defensive bordering on contemptuous in answers to questions from members of both parties.

From Salon

Nor did the contemptuous attitude by Trump’s final witness- which upset Judge Merchan so much and led him to clear the courtroom - did not help Trump.

From Salon

The Biden campaign, which had avoided talking about the former president's legal troubles, only this week started using the trial as part of its messaging that Trump is crooked and contemptuous of the law.

From Salon

Related Words

• condescending
• derisive
• disdainful
• disrespectful
• haughty
• insulting
• scornful