CONTEMPTUOUS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does contemptuous mean? 

• CONTEMPTUOUS (adjective)
  The adjective CONTEMPTUOUS has 1 sense:

1. expressing extreme contempt

  Familiarity information: CONTEMPTUOUS used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CONTEMPTUOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Expressing extreme contempt

Synonyms:

contemptuous; disdainful; insulting; scornful

Similar:

disrespectful (exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous)

Derivation:

contempt (a manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous)

contempt (open disrespect for a person or thing)

contempt (lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike)

contemptuousness (the manifestation of scorn and contempt)

 Context examples 

“So!” said Rosa Dartle, with a contemptuous laugh, “I see her at last! Why, he was a poor creature to be taken by that delicate mock-modesty, and that hanging head!”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It was rather a wish of distinction, she believed, which produced his contemptuous treatment of every body, and his general abuse of every thing before him.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

Bah! With a contemptuous sneer, he passed quickly through the door, and we heard the rusty bolt creak as he fastened it behind him.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

He favoured me with a contemptuous stare.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

The Klondiker's face took on a contemptuous expression as he said finally, "I reckon there's nothin' in sight to prevent me takin' the dog right here an' now."

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

My companion waved his hand in contemptuous deprecation.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

She was afraid she had used some strong, some contemptuous expressions in speaking of the clergy, and that should not have been.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

She received no other answer, than an artificial, assenting smile, followed by a contemptuous glance, as he turned away, which Anne perfectly knew the meaning of.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Lestrade and I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a definite end.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The mare soon after my entrance rose from her mat, and coming up close, after having nicely observed my hands and face, gave me a most contemptuous look; and turning to the horse, I heard the word Yahoo often repeated betwixt them; the meaning of which word I could not then comprehend, although it was the first I had learned to pronounce.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)