contemptuous

IPA/kənˈtemptʃuəs/
KK[kəntˈɛmptʃuəs]IPA/kənˈtemptʃuəs/

contemptuous — adjective

  • contemptuouspositive
  • more contemptuouscomparative
  • most contemptuoussuperlative

1. having or showing a clear belief that someone or something is worthless and does

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having or showing a clear belief that someone or something is worthless and does not deserve your respect or attention, usually made obvious through your words, expression, or behaviour

例句

Soraya let out a contemptuous laugh when she heard the excuse from her colleague.

contemptuous laugh — describing a vocal expression of scorn

The CEO's contemptuous dismissal of the staff's concerns caused many workers to quit.

contemptuous dismissal of — typical noun-collocation pattern

同義詞
  • scornful

    more emotional, often suggesting anger or mockery alongside disrespect

  • disdainful

    suggests a sense of superior elegance or refinement; slightly more formal

  • dismissive

    weaker than contemptuous; suggests refusing to take something seriously rather than active scorn

反義詞
  • respectful

    showing admiration or consideration for someone or something

  • admiring

    feeling or showing approval and pleasure

文法句型

contemptuous + noun

contemptuous of + noun phrase

contemptuous of + someone for + doing something

用法筆記

Typically used before a noun (contemptuous look / attitude / remark) or followed by of (contemptuous of somebody/something). The 'of' pattern is especially common when describing an attitude toward a specific person, group, or idea. The adverb contemptuously (He shrugged contemptuously) is also frequent.

常見錯誤

He was contemptuous about the proposal.
He was contemptuous of the proposal.
💡The correct preposition after contemptuous is of, not about.