contemptuous
gb/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəs/ us/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəs/
C1
English
~ 8000
megvető, lenéző
C1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is contemptuous of [someone/something]
She gave a contemptuous laugh when he tried to apologize.
Megvetően felnevetett, amikor a férfi megpróbált bocsánatot kérni.
His contemptuous tone made it clear that he did not take the question seriously.
Megvető hangja egyértelművé tette, hogy nem veszi komolyan a kérdést.
The manager was openly contemptuous of employees who disagreed with her.
They exchanged a contemptuous glance when his name was mentioned.
Many young voters are contemptuous of politicians they see as corrupt.
Learner examples
He was contemptuous of people who did not go to college.
Lenézte azokat, akik nem jártak egyetemre.
She looked at the dirty room with a contemptuous smile.
Megvető mosollyal nézett a koszos szobára.
The teacher did not speak in a contemptuous way to the students.
Some people are contemptuous of rules and do not follow them.
Her contemptuous voice hurt his feelings.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'contemptuous' with 'contemptible'. 'Contemptuous' describes the person who feels or shows contempt (e.g., 'a contemptuous remark'), while 'contemptible' describes the person or thing that deserves contempt (e.g., 'a contemptible act'). Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition; the usual phrase is 'contemptuous of', not 'contemptuous with' or 'contemptuous to'.
Meaning
showing contempt or deep disrespect
Collocations
contemptuous smile
|contemptuous glance
|contemptuous tone
|contemptuous look
|deeply contemptuous
|openly contemptuous
Synonyms
disdainful (Very close in meaning; often slightly more formal and can sound a bit colder or more controlled than 'contemptuous'.)
|
scornful (Stresses harsh judgment and mockery; can sound a bit stronger and more emotional than 'contemptuous'.)
|
sneering (Often describes the facial expression or tone used to show contempt, not just the feeling itself.)
Antonyms
respectful (Shows polite regard and consideration, the opposite attitude of looking down on someone.)
|
admiring (Shows strong approval and respect, which directly contrasts with the negative judgment in 'contemptuous'.)
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Showing strong dislike and no respect for someone or something that you think is not good enough.
Feeling or showing deep disrespect and dislike for someone or something you consider worthless or beneath you.
Grammar
Dictionary form
contemptuous
IPA
GB/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəs/
US/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəs/
Syllables & stress
con - temp - tu - ous (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (temp)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: contemptuous
Word family
Core family
contempt
noun B2
contemptuously
adverb C1
Related words
contemptible
adjective C1
contemptibly
adverb
Expressions
be contemptuous of
1/bˈi kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəs əv/
fixed phrase
feel and show strong disrespect for
To strongly dislike and not respect someone or something, and to show this in your words, face, or behavior.
Examples
- He is openly contemptuous of anyone who disagrees with him.
- Many citizens are contemptuous of leaders who break their own rules.
- She was clearly contemptuous of the idea that money could buy happiness.