contumely

[ kon-too-muh-lee, -tyoo-; kuhn-too-muh-lee, -tyoo-; kon-tuhm-lee, -tyoom, -chuhm ]

noun

, plural con·tu·me·lies.

1. insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment.

   Synonyms: rudeness, disdain, scorn, abuse

2. a humiliating insult.

contumely

/ ˌkɒntjʊˈmiːlɪəs; ˈkɒntjʊmɪlɪ /

noun

1. scornful or insulting language or behaviour
2. a humiliating or scornful insult

Derived Forms

• ˌcontuˈmeliously, adverb
• contumelious, adjective
• ˌcontuˈmeliousness, noun

Other Words From

• con·tu·me·li·ous [kon-too-, mee, -lee-, uh, s, -tyoo-], adjective
• contu·meli·ous·ly adverb
• contu·meli·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contumely¹

1350–1400; Middle English contumelie (< Anglo-French ) < Latin contumēlia, perhaps akin to contumāx ( contumacy ), though formation and sense development are unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of contumely¹

C14: from Latin contumēlia invective, from tumēre to swell, as with wrath

Example Sentences

Any one might differ with their conclusions, but is it courteous or decent to hold them up to ridicule and contumely?

From Project Gutenberg

And yet one could not treat with contumely a person who acted in one's interests.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, if the man be treated with contumely, he may very likely despair and give up all hope of improvement.

From Project Gutenberg

There is absolutely no image-making art in the practice of our people, except only this art of rags and contumely.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither the Captain's contumely nor the garrison's insults had humiliated or discouraged her.

From Project Gutenberg