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. showing or feeling contempt; disdainful

Other Word Forms

• contemptuously adverb
• contemptuousness noun
• half-contemptuous adjective
• noncontemptuous adjective
• noncontemptuousness noun
• uncontemptuous adjective
• uncontemptuousness 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

“Alien: Earth” simply gives the gamblers familiar faces and, in the case of Boy Kavalier, shows what the dirty, contemptuous feet walking all over us look like.

From Salon

The bond between Addams family members, however, is more deeply explored and their dysfunctional interactions add a new layer of contemptuous humor to the mix.

From Los Angeles Times

Some government officials are more openly contemptuous of Labour MPs than ever.

From BBC

Repeatedly, lower courts have been standing up for the Constitution and federal law, trying to constrain a president contemptuous of both, at demonstrable danger to themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Don’t ask the teenagers around your domicile or you’ll rate a contemptuous look.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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