contemptuously

English

WOTD – 1 February 2010

Etymology

From contemptuous + -ly.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /kənˈtɛmp.tʃu.əs.li/, /kənˈtɛmp.tju.əs.li/
    • (file)
  • (US) IPA(key): /kənˈtɛmp.t͡ʃu.əs.li/

Adverb

contemptuously (comparative more contemptuously, superlative most contemptuously)

  1. In a disrespectful or discourteous manner; condescendingly.
    He argued with the judge contemptuously, showing no respect or remorse for his actions.
    • 1820, [Walter Scott], chapter VII, in The Abbot. [], volume I, Edinburgh: [] [James Ballantyne & Co.] for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, []; and for Archibald Constable and Company, and John Ballantyne, [], →OCLC, page 146:
      Ralph, who was a thickset clownish figure, arrived at his full strength, and conscious of the most complete personal superiority, laughed contemptuously at the threats of the slight-made stripling.
    • 1867, Charles Dickens, chapter 4, in Oliver Twist:
      'They haven't no more philosophy nor political economy about 'em than that,' said the beadle, snapping his fingers contemptuously.
    • 1971, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle and the Magic Zodiac, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 29:
      He snapped his fingers contemptuously at the alarm clock. "I fear thee not, thou ticking tyrant."
    • 1986, Treatise on Constitutional Law: Substance and Procedure, volume 3, page 36:
      Under the statute an individual who "publicly mutilates, tramples upon, defaces or treats contemptuously the flag of the United States [] " was subject to criminal liability.
    • 1994, Joseph Veramo, Moving through the Streets: A Novel, page 39:
      The girl looked at Onisi contemptuously, then laughed jeeringly. He was then six years old and didn't know how to speak in English so he couldn't understand what she was saying but he sensed that it was derogatory.

Synonyms

Translations

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