Contemptuous Meaning
/kənˈtɛm(p).tʃu.əs/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjShowing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.
adjWorthy of contempt; contemptible.
Sentence Examples
Some artists are contemptuous of criticism.
My father is contemptuous of drunkards.
He is contemptuous of his boss's narrow mind.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
She gave a ____ glance at the messy room, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Some artists are ____ of criticism.
Word Origin & History
From Latin contemptus (whence contempt) + -ous.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Sir George burst into a loud fit of contemptuous laughter."
— 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “The Challenge”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 234:
"The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite.[…]Can those harmless but refined fellow-diners be the selfish cads whose gluttony and personal appearance so raised your contemptuous wrath on your arrival?"
— 1921, Ben Travers, chapter 5, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC:
"Rep. Noble told GCN that she, however, had deep concern "regarding the scandalous sexual exploitation and abuse of young children by adults." Noble has called on the community to "support the efforts of the Suffolk County District Attorney's office in unraveling this contemptuous situation."
— 1977 December 24, Jim Marko, quoting Elaine Noble, “Committee of Outrage to Protest Arrests”, in Gay Community News, volume 5, number 25, page 1:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She gave a ____ glance at the messy room, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Some artists are ____ of criticism.