contemptuous stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemptuous stare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look that conveys disdain or scorn towards someone or something. Example: "She shot him a contemptuous stare, making it clear that she disapproved of his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's black," Rasheed replies with a contemptuous stare.

The New York Times

Journalists were often treated to the "Russell Glower", described as an "icily contemptuous stare accompanied by a long silence".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Can't stand contemptuous style of Paxman.

The Guardian

Armed only with free diapers and soup cans, he stares down proud, angry parents who are contemptuous of big government but hungry for government aid.

The Washington Post

But contemptuous?

The New Yorker

His response was borderline contemptuous.

The New York Times

Republican men were contemptuous.

The New York Times

"Chi?" was his contemptuous reply.

The Economist

Joyce was contemptuous of psychoanalysis.

The New Yorker

Salmond was openly contemptuous.

The Guardian

He was contemptuous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemptuous stare" to vividly portray a character's strong feelings of disdain or scorn in descriptive writing. It's a powerful way to convey negative emotions without explicitly stating them.

Common error

Avoid using "contemptuous stare" in situations where a milder form of disapproval is intended. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and can be overly dramatic if the context doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemptuous stare" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "contemptuous" modifies the noun "stare". Ludwig examples show it describing actions in narrative contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemptuous stare" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that effectively conveys strong disdain or scorn. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, its primary use is in narrative or descriptive contexts, often found in news and media or wiki sources. Consider alternatives like ""scornful gaze"" or ""disdainful glare"" for nuanced expression. When using "contemptuous stare", ensure the context warrants its strong negative connotation to avoid being overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scornful look

A simpler alternative using "scornful" instead of "contemptuous".

scornful gaze

Replaces "stare" with "gaze", emphasizing a prolonged and intense look of scorn.

disdainful glare

Substitutes "contemptuous" with "disdainful" and "stare" with "glare", highlighting a more intense and angry expression of contempt.

contemptuous glance

Replaces "stare" with "glance", suggesting a quick, dismissive look of contempt.

derisive gaze

Uses "derisive" to emphasize mockery and ridicule in the stare.

haughty look

Replaces "contemptuous stare" with a phrase that focuses on an arrogant and superior expression.

supercilious expression

Uses a more formal term, "supercilious", to describe a look of arrogant superiority.

withering gaze

Emphasizes the damaging or humiliating effect of the gaze.

disapproving stare

Focuses on the disapproval conveyed by the stare, rather than the contempt.

icy stare

Highlights the cold and emotionless nature of the contemptuous look.

FAQs

What does "contemptuous stare" mean?

A "contemptuous stare" is a look that expresses strong feelings of disdain, scorn, or intense dislike. It suggests a sense of superiority or disgust towards the person or object being looked at.

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

You might say, "She gave him a "contemptuous stare" when he interrupted her," indicating her disapproval and disrespect.

What are some alternatives to "contemptuous stare"?

Alternatives include "scornful gaze", "disdainful glare", or "haughty look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contemptuous stare" formal or informal?

"Contemptuous stare" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in descriptive writing and narrative rather than casual conversation.