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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
A Doll's House
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The BFG
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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
But you need not worry: I understand you and I am not contemptuously pandering to you: I genuinely think that you drive to Walmart for the delight of it!
From Washington Post ● Apr. 6, 2023
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
“And by the way…” He watched her contemptuously as she made her way, shuffling around a boulder in the path.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
