contemptuously
gb/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəsli/ us/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəsli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in a scornful, disrespectful way
in a way that shows you do not respect someone or something
Usage pattern:
[say/speak/look/act] contemptuously (at [someone/something])
Common mistake:
Do not use the adjective "contemptuous" to modify a verb (say "spoke contemptuously," not "spoke contemptuous").
Synonyms
disdainfully (Emphasizes proud lack of respect.)
|
scornfully (Stresses harsh judgment and rejection.)
|
sneeringly (Highlights a facial expression or tone of mockery.)
Antonyms
respectfully (Shows regard and politeness rather than contempt.)
|
admiringly (Expresses approval and esteem rather than scorn.)
|
politely (Focuses on courteous behavior, the opposite of rude contempt.)
Collocations
speak contemptuously
|say contemptuously
|look contemptuously
|glance contemptuously
|smile contemptuously
|laugh contemptuously
|snort contemptuously
|dismiss contemptuously
|respond contemptuously
|treat someone contemptuously
Themes
emotions
|attitudes
|communication
|social_relations
Examples
- He looked at her contemptuously and turned away without answering.
- “That’s a ridiculous idea,” she said contemptuously.
- The proposal was contemptuously dismissed as a waste of time.
Learner examples
- He spoke contemptuously to the waiter.
- She smiled contemptuously at my mistake.
Grammar
Dictionary form
contemptuously
IPA
GB/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəsli/
US/kəntˈɛmpt͡ʃuəsli/
Syllables & stress
con - temp - tu - ously (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (temp)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: contemptuously
- Plural: contemptuouslies
Word family
Forms
contemptuouslies
noun
Core family
contempt
noun B2
contemptuous
adjective C1
Related words
contemptible
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
contemptuousness
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.