contemptuous look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemptuous look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys disdain or scorn towards someone or something. Example: "She shot him a contemptuous look when he made the inappropriate comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The driver threw a contemptuous look back in his direction.

The Guardian - Books

She cast a contemptuous look at the Queen's lady-in-waiting.

The New York Times

He gave me that contemptuous look that border guards all seemed to have: "That is the keyboard.

The New York Times

On the whole they just viewed you as less than human, there was this contemptuous look all the time.

Vice

Almost all Black men recognize Martin's contemptuous look and confrontational pose -- it's the one that White cops give us after pulling us over for Driving While Black or even Standing While Black, and then start to interrogate us like we just committed a crime.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Journalists -- good ones, anyway -- are used to slammed doors, contemptuous looks and unreturned phone calls.

The New York Times - Food

Yes, even more so than the years slaving at The Guardian being paid only in magic beans and contemptuous looks from the people who went to Oxbridge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jolie, equipped with a range of variable English accents, is imposing in buffalo horns, black leather and super-chiselled prosthetic cheekbones – all the better for shooting contemptuous looks at Elle Fanning's rosily insipid ingenue.

The Guardian - Film

Sure, it makes the contemptuous feel good.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere," declares Theresa May, deriding a contemptuous elite who look at the working class and "find their patriotism distasteful, their concerns about immigration parochial".

The Guardian - Opinion

When the judge asked him to sit, one of the victims' relatives shouted, "On the needles!" Mr. Pichushkin sat quietly on a bench, looking contemptuous and bored.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotions, using "contemptuous look" can efficiently convey their disdain or disapproval without lengthy explanations.

Common error

Be careful not to use "contemptuous look" when a milder expression like disapproval or annoyance is more appropriate. Contempt implies a strong sense of disdain and disrespect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemptuous look" functions as a noun phrase, where "contemptuous" is an adjective modifying the noun "look". It describes a specific type of facial expression or gaze. As Ludwig AI highlights, this expression conveys disdain or scorn.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contemptuous look" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that effectively conveys disdain or scorn. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for describing a facial expression of intense dislike. While "contemptuous look" is considered rare in frequency, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the intensity it conveys and consider milder alternatives if necessary. Alternative phrases include "scornful gaze" or "disdainful expression".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scornful gaze

Replaces "look" with "gaze", emphasizing a fixed and intense expression of contempt.

disdainful expression

Focuses on the overall facial expression conveying disdain rather than just the "look".

derisive glance

Uses "glance" to suggest a quick, dismissive look of contempt.

supercilious stare

Emphasizes arrogance and superiority in the "stare".

condescending gaze

Highlights the patronizing nature of the look.

haughty look

Conveys a sense of pride and disdain.

scathing glare

Implies a harsh and critical "look".

withering look

Suggests the look is so intense it can "destroy" the recipient.

dismissive expression

Focuses on conveying a sense of dismissal.

patronizing look

Highlights the condescending nature of the "look".

FAQs

How can I describe a milder form of disapproval than a "contemptuous look"?

For milder forms of disapproval, consider using phrases like "disapproving glance", "critical look", or "displeased expression". These suggest mild dissatisfaction rather than strong disdain.

What's the difference between a "contemptuous look" and a "scornful gaze"?

While both convey disdain, a "contemptuous look" implies a feeling of superiority and intense dislike, whereas a "scornful gaze" emphasizes open derision and mockery. The former suggests looking down on someone, while the latter suggests mocking them.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "contemptuous look" in writing?

Use "contemptuous look" when you want to strongly convey a character's deep disdain, disrespect, or feeling of superiority toward another person or thing. It's most effective when highlighting a power dynamic or intense emotional conflict.

Are there alternatives to "contemptuous look" that emphasize arrogance?

Yes, phrases like "supercilious stare" or "haughty look" can better convey arrogance. These alternatives emphasize a sense of superiority and disdain for those considered inferior.