contemptuously
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of contemptuously
Explanation
If you think something or someone is worthless, and show it, you behave contemptuously: you're being disrespectful and mean. The word is all about showing your dislike and disrespect. We may dislike a great many things, but we are not treating them contemptuously until everyone else around us knows exactly how we feel. Acting contemptuously is putting on a little show, almost like a toddler's temper tantrum, though with more thought behind it. A student who treats his teacher contemptuously is going to be in trouble, and an employee who treats his boss contemptuously might get fired. Contemptuously is the opposite of respectfully.
Vocabulary lists containing contemptuously
The Outsiders
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A Doll's House
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The BFG
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One of the few scenes that makes its point emphatically is nevertheless effective and droll: Meyers contemptuously introduces a rival group of young creative types who frequent the same meeting space.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
For the federal government, terminating employees so contemptuously, even if the firings ultimately pass legal muster, will likely trigger cultural blowback.
From Slate ● Feb. 18, 2025
The minister replied contemptuously that ballet dancers were like saffron — the most expensive spice — on hospital food, an extravagance.
From New York Times ● Mar. 25, 2024
Over the next hour, a device captured the Democratic politicians and the labor leader, all Latino, speaking contemptuously about those they regarded as rivals or impediments.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2022
“Tell them about the newspapers, David,” the pump gun smirked contemptuously.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
