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View synonyms for contumely

contumely

[ kon-too-muh-lee, -tyoo-; kuhn-too-muh-lee, -tyoo-; kon-tuhm-lee, -tyoom, -chuhm ]

noun

, plural con·tu·me·lies.
  1. insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment.

    Synonyms: rudeness, disdain, scorn, abuse

  2. a humiliating insult.


contumely

/ ˌkɒntjʊˈmiːlɪəs; ˈkɒntjʊmɪlɪ /

noun

  1. scornful or insulting language or behaviour
  2. a humiliating or scornful insult
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˌcontuˈmeliously, adverb
  • contumelious, adjective
  • ˌcontuˈmeliousness, noun
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Other Words From

  • con·tu·me·li·ous [kon-too-, mee, -lee-, uh, s, -tyoo-], adjective
  • contu·meli·ous·ly adverb
  • contu·meli·ous·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contumely1

1350–1400; Middle English contumelie (< Anglo-French ) < Latin contumēlia, perhaps akin to contumāx ( contumacy ), though formation and sense development are unclear
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contumely1

C14: from Latin contumēlia invective, from tumēre to swell, as with wrath
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Example Sentences

Any one might differ with their conclusions, but is it courteous or decent to hold them up to ridicule and contumely?

And yet one could not treat with contumely a person who acted in one's interests.

Well, if the man be treated with contumely, he may very likely despair and give up all hope of improvement.

There is absolutely no image-making art in the practice of our people, except only this art of rags and contumely.

Neither the Captain's contumely nor the garrison's insults had humiliated or discouraged her.

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contumacycontuse