Contemptuous
mediumNegative tonekun-TEMP-choo-us
adjective
Definition
Showing contempt; scornful; disdainful
Memory hook
CONTEMPT-uous: full of CONTEMPT — showing scorn and utter disrespect.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“He cast a contemptuous glance at the inferior work.”
“Her contemptuous dismissal of their concerns angered the group.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“He cast a ______ glance at the inferior work.”
Show answer
contemptuous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Contemptuous is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "disdainful" or "scornful" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "respectful".
Related GRE Words
disdainful
Showing contempt or lack of respect
condescending
Having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority
patronizing
Treating with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority
scornful
Feeling or expressing contempt or derision
haughty
Arrogantly superior; disdainfully proud
supercilious
Behaving as though one is superior to others
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