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Contemptuous: Meaning, Examples & Synonyms
Contemptuous Meaning: Definition, Origin, Examples, Synonyms & Antonyms
Contemptuous is an English adjective used to describe someone who shows a strong dislike or lack of respect for a person or thing, often openly and scornfully.
Unlike the milder word dismissive, contemptuous suggests active scorn — a feeling of clear superiority combined with open disdain.
Contemptuous as an Adjective
Contemptuous is a formal-to-neutral adjective most often used with the preposition of.
Pronunciation
Contemptuous: /kənˈtemp.tʃu.əs/
Meaning
If you are contemptuous of someone or something, you do not like or respect them at all, and you often show this openly through your words, tone or behaviour.
Continue learning→ Aghast Meaning
Example Sentences
- She gave a contemptuous laugh.
- He has always been openly contemptuous of authority.
- They were contemptuous of private farmers.
- As one of the senior members of the Senate, she was openly contemptuous of its junior members.
Synonyms & Similar Words
- Disrespectful
- Scornful
- Disdainful
- Insulting
- Sniffy
- Arrogant
- Insolent
- Derisive
- Derisory
- Supercilious
- High and mighty
- On one's high horse
- Mocking
- Sneering
- Taunting
- Derogatory
Antonyms of Contemptuous
- Respectful
- Courteous
- Polite
- Gracious
- Admiring
- Applauding
- Appreciative
- Approving
Derived Forms of Contemptuous
Contemptuous has two common derived forms, used to talk about the manner (adverb) or the quality itself (noun).
Contemptuously (adverb)
Used to describe the way someone acts or speaks.
She rolled her eyes contemptuously at his excuse.
Contemptuousness (noun)
Used to describe the quality or state of being contemptuous.
His contemptuousness towards junior staff made him unpopular in the office.
Origin & Etymology of Contemptuous
Contemptuous comes from the noun contempt, which derives from the Latin contemptus, the past participle of contemnere — meaning "to scorn" or "to despise." This in turn is formed from com- (an intensive prefix) and temnere ("to slight or scorn").
The word has carried its sense of active scorn and lack of respect for many centuries, and remains especially common in formal, journalistic and literary English today.
How to Use "Contemptuous" in English
Contemptuous is formal-to-neutral in register. It appears often in journalism, literature and formal writing to describe strong, visible scorn, and is generally too strong a word for minor everyday annoyances.
Disrespectful vs Contemptuous
These two words overlap, but contemptuous is stronger and more deliberate.
| Disrespectful | Contemptuous |
|---|---|
| A general lack of respect or good manners. | Active scorn, often combined with a feeling of superiority. |
| Can be careless or thoughtless rather than deliberate. | Usually deliberate and openly shown, e.g. through tone or expression. |
| Common in everyday conversation. | More common in formal, journalistic and literary writing. |
Common Expressions with Contemptuous
- Contemptuous laugh/sneer — an expression that openly shows scorn.
- Contemptuous tone — a way of speaking that conveys disdain.
- Contemptuous silence — silence used deliberately to express disdain.
- Contemptuous of authority — openly scornful of rules, rank or people in charge.
Test Your Grammar
Fancy testing something else? Try our A, An or The Quiz for Beginners: 20 Questions and see how confidently you can choose the correct article every time.
Quick Summary
- Word: Contemptuous
- Pronunciation: /kənˈtemp.tʃu.əs/
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Meaning: Showing a strong dislike or lack of respect for someone or something.
- Origin: From Latin contemptus ("scorned, despised").
- Derived Forms: Contemptuously (adverb), contemptuousness (noun)
- Related Words: Scornful, disdainful, derisive, supercilious
Explore another word → Polyglot
Final Thoughts
Contemptuous is a strong, formal word for describing open scorn and lack of respect. Along with its derived forms contemptuously and contemptuousness, it's a precise choice whenever "disrespectful" or "rude" feels too mild.
Learning words like contemptuous alongside their synonyms and antonyms will help you describe attitudes and tone more precisely in both formal and everyday English.
