CONTEMPTUOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Contemptuous is an adjective that describes an attitude or behavior displaying a strong feeling of disdain, disrespect, or scorn towards someone or something. It is often used to express a deep sense of dislike, derision, or a lack of admiration.
When someone holds contemptuous feelings towards another person, they may regard them with an air of superiority or as being beneath them. This attitude is often accompanied by dismissive or mocking behavior, where the person may belittle or ridicule those they hold contempt for.
Similarly, when something is described as contemptuous, it indicates that it is intentionally disrespectful or scornful. It implies an intentional act of insulting or disregarding a person or their actions. This can be seen in contemptuous remarks, gestures, or facial expressions, as well as deliberate acts or behaviors intended to humiliate or degrade someone.
Contemptuous attitudes and actions can arise from various reasons, such as a perceived sense of superiority, disapproval of another person's actions or beliefs, jealousy, or even as a defense mechanism. It is important to note that displaying contemptuous behavior can be harmful and damaging to relationships, as it fosters a negative and hostile environment.
Overall, a person or thing described as contemptuous shows a strong and often intentional disregard or scorn towards others, often manifesting in disrespectful or derogatory behavior.
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Showing or expressing contempt or disdain; haughty; insolent.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CONTEMPTUOUS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CONTEMPTUOUS
Etymology of CONTEMPTUOUS
The word "contemptuous" is derived from the Latin word "contemptus", which is the past participle of "contemnere". In Latin, "con-" means "together" or "thoroughly", and "temnere" means "despise" or "scorn". Therefore, "contemnere" means "to despise thoroughly". This Latin term eventually evolved into "contemptuous" in English, maintaining its original meaning of displaying a feeling of disdain or scorn.
Similar spelling words for CONTEMPTUOUS
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- contentiousness,
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- contumaciously,
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- contention,
- contumelious,
- contemporize,
- contemporise,
- contemptible,
- contumacious,
- contemptibly,
- contentious,
- continuously,
- contemplation.
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