Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

contemptuous

/kənˈtɛmp.t͡ʃu.əs/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.64 in modern English

Syllables: con-temp-tu-ous
IPA: /kənˈtɛmp.t͡ʃu.əs/

18

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

4

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.

adj

Worthy of contempt; contemptible.

Example Sentences

"I don't know that guy, but he just gave me a contemptuous look."
"Sir George burst into a loud fit of contemptuous laughter."
"The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite.[…]Can those harmless but refined fellow-diners be the selfish cads whose gluttony and personal appearance so raised your contemptuous wrath on your arrival?"
"Rep. Noble told GCN that she, however, had deep concern "regarding the scandalous sexual exploitation and abuse of young children by adults." Noble has called on the community to "support the efforts of the Suffolk County District Attorney's office in unraveling this contemptuous situation."

Etymology

From Latin contemptus (whence contempt) + -ous.

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Root: contemptus
Suffix: ous

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /kənˈtɛmp.t͡ʃu.əs/
British English: /kənˈtɛm(p).tʃu.əs/

Inflected Forms

more contemptuous (comparative) most contemptuous (superlative)

Derived Forms

contemptuosity contemptuously contemptuousness uncontemptuous

Frequently Paired Words

contemn contempt

Synonyms

disdainful dismissive slighting disparaging insulting scornful

Antonyms

respectful

Questions

How do you pronounce contemptuous?: The recorded pronunciation is /kənˈtɛmp.t͡ʃu.əs/.
What does contemptuous mean?: Showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.
Where does contemptuous come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce contemptuous

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