contemptuous gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

"contemptuous gaze" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a look that conveys disdain or scorn towards someone or something. Example: She shot him a contemptuous gaze, making her feelings clear without saying a word. Alternative expressions include "scornful look" and "disdainful stare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Of course, she was also perfectly aware of the feminist content, what it said about the disgusted-attracted-contemptuous male gaze, but she preferred the art to ask the questions, discomfit, not preach).

The Guardian

The pianist (envious? contemptuous? confused? anxious?) gazes at the dancer, but the dancer never gazes back, although she does crawl on top of the piano to sing the last verse.

The New York Times - Arts

And they did so with contemptuous glee".

The Guardian

Boryana — or the actress Chichikova — has huge eyes that seem made for the epithet "soulful"; the character's gaze is marked by a rueful detachment from the world around her, a contemptuous defiance of the lies and constraints on which daily life under a repressive regime is based.

The New Yorker

But contemptuous?

The New Yorker

His response was borderline contemptuous.

The New York Times

Republican men were contemptuous.

The New York Times

Salmond was openly contemptuous.

The Guardian

He was contemptuous.

The New York Times

"Chi?" was his contemptuous reply.

The Economist

Joyce was contemptuous of psychoanalysis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In literary writing, combine this phrase with sensory details like 'ice-cold' or 'piercing' to heighten the narrative impact.

Common error

Since "contemptuous" already implies a strong negative judgment, avoid adding weak modifiers like 'mean' or 'bad'. Let the strength of the adjective stand on its own.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemptuous gaze" acts as an adjective-noun pair where the adjective modifies the noun to provide specific emotional context. It is used to qualify the nature of visual contact. While exact matches in the current sample are minimal, Ludwig AI indicates that the individual components are frequently paired in high-quality prose to signal interpersonal conflict.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contemptuous gaze" is a precise and evocative tool for describing looks of scorn. Although exact matches in the provided data set were not found, the phrase is a logically sound and grammatically correct construction recognized by Ludwig AI. It appears in high-prestige publications like The New Yorker and The Guardian within similar descriptive clusters. It is best used in storytelling or journalistic profiles to vividly describe a moment of silent judgment. If you are looking for a more common alternative, you might consider using "<a href="/s/scornful+look" target="_blank" rel="alternative">scornful look", but for a more intense and literary tone, the original phrase remains an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scornful look

Uses a more common noun while maintaining the core meaning of deep dislike.

disdainful stare

Suggests a longer, more intense period of looking with contempt.

sneering expression

Focuses on the facial contortion associated with the look.

mocking leer

Adds a layer of active ridicule to the visual judgment.

haughty glare

Emphasizes the arrogance and perceived superiority of the observer.

derisive watch

Implies the subject is being observed specifically to be mocked.

supercilious glance

Suggests a brief look characterized by patronizing indifference.

dismissive peer

Focuses on the intent to treat the subject as unworthy of serious attention.

insolent regard

Highlights the lack of respect and the boldness of the contempt.

arrogant fix

Describes an unwavering look of self-importance and disdain.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "contemptuous gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/scornful+look" target="_blank" rel="alternative">scornful look", "<a href="/s/disdainful+stare" target="_blank" rel="alternative">disdainful stare" or "<a href="/s/sneering+expression" target="_blank" rel="alternative">sneering expression".

How do I use "contemptuous gaze" in a sentence?

It is typically used to describe a character's reaction. For example: "She met his eyes with a "contemptuous gaze" that made it clear she didn't believe a word he said."

Is "contemptuous gaze" correct in formal writing?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in high-level journalism and literary works to describe disdainful interactions.

What is the difference between a "contemptuous gaze" and a <a href="/s/haughty+glare" target="_blank" rel="alternative">haughty glare?

A "contemptuous gaze" focuses on the feeling of worthlessness directed at the other person, whereas a <a href="/s/haughty+glare" target="_blank" rel="alternative">haughty glare focuses more on the observer's own sense of pride or superiority.