sneer
[ sneer ]
/ snɪər /
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verb (used without object)
to smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt: They sneered at his pretensions.
to speak or write in a manner expressive of derision or scorn.
verb (used with object)
to utter or say in a sneering manner.
noun
a look or expression of derision, scorn, or contempt.
a derisive or scornful utterance, especially one more or less covert or insinuative.
an act of sneering.
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
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Origin of sneer
First recorded in 1545–55; originally, “to snort”; compare Frisian (northern dialect) sneere “scornful remark,” snarl1
synonym study for sneer
2. See scoff1.
OTHER WORDS FROM sneer
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for sneer
British Dictionary definitions for sneer
sneer
/ (snɪə) /
noun
a facial expression of scorn or contempt, typically with the upper lip curled
a scornful or contemptuous remark or utterance
verb
(intr) to assume a facial expression of scorn or contempt
to say or utter (something) in a scornful or contemptuous manner
Derived forms of sneer
sneerer, nounsneerful, adjectivesneering, adjective, nounsneeringly, adverbWord Origin for sneer
C16: perhaps from Low Dutch; compare North Frisian sneere contempt
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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