scornfully
gb/skˈɔɹnfˈʌli/ us/skˈɔɹnfˈʌli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a contemptuous, disrespectful way
In a way that shows you do not respect someone or something.
Usage pattern:
[say/speak/look/smile/laugh] scornfully (at [someone/something])
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use the adjective "scornful" instead of the adverb (e.g., "He spoke scornful" → "He spoke scornfully").
Synonyms
contemptuously (More formal; focuses on contempt.)
|
disdainfully (Emphasizes a feeling of superiority.)
|
derisively (Adds the sense of mocking or ridiculing.)
|
sneeringly (Suggests a particular facial expression or tone.)
Antonyms
respectfully (Shows respect rather than contempt.)
|
admiringly (Shows approval or praise.)
|
warmly (Shows friendliness instead of disdain.)
Collocations
smile scornfully
|laugh scornfully
|look scornfully
|speak scornfully
|say scornfully
|remark scornfully
|snort scornfully
|glance scornfully
|dismiss scornfully
|respond scornfully
Themes
emotions
|attitude
|communication
Examples
- She looked at the proposal scornfully and pushed it aside.
- He laughed scornfully at the idea that he might apologize.
- “That’s your plan?” she asked scornfully.
Learner examples
- He spoke scornfully to his opponent.
- She smiled scornfully at the comment.
Grammar
Dictionary form
scornfully
IPA
GB/skˈɔɹnfˈʌli/
US/skˈɔɹnfˈʌli/
Syllables & stress
scorn - fully (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (scorn)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: scornfully
- Plural: scornfullies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.