Disdainful
mediumdis-DAYN-ful
adjective
Definition
Showing contempt or lack of respect
Examples
“She gave a disdainful look at the inferior merchandise.”
“His disdainful attitude toward newcomers alienated potential allies.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Disdainful is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "contemptuous" or "scornful" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "respectful".
Related GRE Words
contemptuous
Showing contempt; scornful; disdainful
scornful
Feeling or expressing contempt or derision
condescending
Having or showing an attitude of patronizing superiority
patronizing
Treating with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority
haughty
Arrogantly superior; disdainfully proud
complacent
Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements
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