contemptuous remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemptuous remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that expresses disdain or scorn towards someone or something. Example: "Her contemptuous remark about his work ethic left everyone in the room feeling uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In 1987 Time magazine reported that George Bush Sr had responded to well-meaning advice about his presidential campaign's shortcomings with a contemptuous remark about "the vision thing".

The Guardian - Opinion

Seen in that light, Trump's contemptuous remark about Camp David became another early warning that, even after taking the oath of office, there would be no end to his vulgarity and mendacity.

The New Yorker

Be disciplined when you complain, don't slip in a criticism or a contemptuous remark.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This spring, what appeared to be a coördinated wave of criticism of Rumsfeld by retired generals moved some of their peers to suggest that they, too, be mindful of the prohibition on "contemptuous" remarks.

The New Yorker

In keeping with tradition, one strategy used at today's court hearings was to threaten legal action against the media for publicising the alleged contemptuous remarks in Shadrake's book.

The Guardian

Sean observes and reports on McMahon and his staff's contemptuous remarks about President Barack Obama and his Administration, as well as some out-of-control partying on a business trip in Europe that was intended to secure additional troop commitments; soon after the article appears, Obama fires McMahon.

The New Yorker

Nurul Izzah Anwar was detained to assist police in their investigation of an opposition rally and also for making "contemptuous remarks that those in the judiciary system had sold their souls to the devil", national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement.

The Guardian

With his contemptuous remarks about competitors, Larry Ellison has long evinced an arrogance and self-absorption not seen since the days of the Borgias.

Forbes

Part of the Uniform Code of Military Justice bars contemptuous remarks by military officers about their commander-in-chief.

Huffington Post

It was his first inclination Friday, when a lurid tape surfaced from 2005, filled with randy and contemptuous remarks about women.

Los Angeles Times

The remarks have served to strengthen the strike, now in its 2nd week, and led to an online petition asking Sarkozy to apologize for his "contemptuous and defamatory" remarks.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemptuous remark" when you want to emphasize a statement's disdainful and scornful nature. Be mindful of the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intention.

Common error

Avoid using "contemptuous remark" lightly; its strong negative connotation can be disproportionate in situations where a milder criticism is more appropriate. Consider the audience and the potential for offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemptuous remark" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "contemptuous" modifies the noun "remark". It describes a specific type of statement characterized by disdain and scorn. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemptuous remark" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a statement filled with disdain or scorn. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not very common, it appears mostly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its strong negative connotation and consider whether a milder term would be more appropriate. Alternatives include "scornful comment" or "disdainful statement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scornful comment

Replaces "remark" with "comment", emphasizing the critical nature of the statement.

disdainful statement

Substitutes "contemptuous" with "disdainful" and "remark" with "statement", altering the tone slightly.

derogatory comment

Uses "derogatory" instead of "contemptuous", highlighting the belittling aspect of the remark.

insulting observation

Replaces "remark" with "observation", focusing on the act of noting something in an offensive way.

sarcastic quip

Emphasizes the mocking nature of the remark through "sarcastic quip".

belittling remark

Focuses on the effect of the remark, which is to make someone feel small or unimportant.

offensive statement

Highlights the upsetting or hurtful nature of the statement.

rude comment

Offers a simpler, more direct alternative by using "rude".

slighting comment

Emphasizes the dismissive quality of the comment, suggesting a lack of regard.

cutting remark

Highlights the painful or hurtful impact of the remark.

FAQs

How can I use "contemptuous remark" in a sentence?

You can use "contemptuous remark" to describe a statement filled with disdain or scorn. For example, "His "contemptuous remark" about her efforts was uncalled for."

What are some alternatives to "contemptuous remark"?

Alternatives include "scornful comment", "disdainful statement", or "derogatory comment", each carrying slightly different nuances of negativity.

What's the difference between "contemptuous remark" and "critical comment"?

"Contemptuous remark" implies a stronger sense of disdain and scorn, while "critical comment" simply suggests disapproval or judgment. A "contemptuous remark" is likely to be more offensive than a general critical comment.

Is "contemptuous remark" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "contemptuous remark" carries a strong negative connotation. Consider whether a more neutral term, such as "critical observation", might be more suitable for formal or professional contexts.