scornful
gb/skˈɔɹnfəl/ us/skˈɔɹnfəl/
B2
English
~ 8700
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
showing strong contempt or disrespect
Showing that you strongly do not respect someone or something, because you think they are not good or not important.
Usage pattern:
scornful of [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "scornful" with the verb form "scorn" or the adjective "scorned". "Scornful" describes the person or thing that shows contempt (e.g., "a scornful comment"), while "scorned" usually describes someone who is rejected or treated with contempt (e.g., "a scorned lover"). Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition; the usual pattern is "scornful of something/someone", not *"scornful at"* or *"scornful on"*.
Synonyms
contemptuous (Slightly more formal; very close in meaning, often interchangeable in most contexts.)
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disdainful (Emphasizes a proud or superior attitude while looking down on others.)
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derisive (Focuses more on open mocking or ridicule rather than the inner feeling of contempt.)
Antonyms
respectful (Shows consideration and regard, the opposite of looking down on someone or something.)
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admiring (Shows positive approval and respect, which directly contrasts with the negativity of being scornful.)
Collocations
scornful look
|scornful laugh
|scornful smile
|scornful tone
|scornful remark
|scornful voice
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She gave him a scornful look before turning away.
- His scornful tone made it clear he thought the idea was stupid.
- The critics were openly scornful of the new government policy.
- He let out a short, scornful laugh when he heard the excuse.
- Her scornful remarks about their efforts hurt the whole team.
Learner examples
- The teacher gave a scornful smile when the student lied.
- My brother is scornful of my favorite TV show.
- She spoke in a scornful voice and made him feel small.
- He made a scornful comment about her clothes.
- They were scornful of the plan and did not want to help.
Grammar
Dictionary form
scornful
IPA
GB/skˈɔɹnfəl/
US/skˈɔɹnfəl/
Syllables & stress
scorn - ful (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (scorn)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: scornful
Word family
Core family
scorn
noun B2
scornfully
adverb C1
Related words
scornfulness
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.