disdainful

[ dis-deyn-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of or showing disdain; scornful.

   Synonyms: supercilious, haughty, derisive, contemptuous

disdainful

/ dɪsˈdeɪnfʊl /

adjective

1. showing or feeling disdain

Derived Forms

• disˈdainfully, adverb
• disˈdainfulness, noun

Other Words From

• dis·dain·ful·ly adverb
• dis·dain·ful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdainful¹

First recorded in 1535–45; disdain + -ful

Example Sentences

In their early histories, US federal agencies were resistant to and even disdainful of prescribed burning.

From Popular-Science

They have been particularly disdainful of charters such as Uncommon Schools, where Lemov is a managing director and where students from low-income families have shown high achievement.

From Washington Post

He was as disdainful about the modern breed of leaders as he was about the Polish intellectuals back then.

From The Daily Beast

Despite a dithering Congress and a disdainful American public, the diplomatic doors opened.

From The Daily Beast

Stewart was disdainful of the upstart network, and in the final meeting to sign the contract, would not even look at Ober.

From The Daily Beast

Jim Messina, Obama campaign manager, called the statement “shocking” and “disdainful.”

From The Daily Beast

But Beverly Hills Police Chief David L. Snowden was openly disdainful about some of the theories connected to the Chasen case.

From The Daily Beast

The stranger turned, and stared at Garnache with a look of wonder that artfully changed to one of disdainful recognition.

From Project Gutenberg

As to the chapter of his loves, he for ever placed a seal upon his fine and disdainful lips.

From Project Gutenberg

He is more inclined to be restless than to be haughty or disdainful; he is only uncomfortable to himself.

From Project Gutenberg

The proud and disdainful will find precisely in society the contrary of what they expect, which is to be esteemed.

From Project Gutenberg

Eliza, glancing at Miss Prall, took her cue and looked disdainful of the whole affair.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aloof
• arrogant
• averse
• contemptuous
• derisive
• haughty
• unsympathetic