disdainful

USAGE SUMMARY

'disdainful' is an accepted and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who finds something or someone to be contemptible or to express contempt or superiority. For example: "Her disdainful attitude towards him made him feel worthless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his quirky way Bennett is the playwright, rather as JB Priestley once was, of the post-industrial England of which so many in the south are both ignorant and disdainful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: VS Naipaul: the long arrival part one Naipaul, who is of Indian ancestry like Salim, is drawn to this visceral and dangerous scene while being at the same time disdainful of its crudeness and savagery.

The Guardian - Books

Cameron did very good disdainful sort of "tut" motions as if his opponent was just not worth responding to.

The Guardian - Opinion

Barristers were a product of the upper and upper middle class, and it showed in the disdainful approach that many had to their criminal clients.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mao tried to ban superstitions, disdainful of their hold on the popular imagination if not of the Mao cult that arose in their place.

The Economist

With the government firmly in its grasp, the PT has been disdainful of Congress.

The Economist

Stock analysts normally disdainful of Detroit as a destination for investors' money have taken to praising GM.

The Economist

I can't think of a single other country in the world where you make references to any political party on a continuous basis with this kind of qualification as if the reference is part of the party's name.I believe that this kind of attribute that is so gratuitously granted is uncalled for, condescending, patronizing disdainful, or at a limit straight insulting.

The Economist

Disdainful of the hyperactive micromanagement associated with Gordon Brown and Mr Blair, he generally left ministers and civil servants alone.

The Economist

But she has at times appeared otherworldly and disdainful, and faces some dissident candidates who will divide the vote on the right.

The Economist

The idea that lying produces physical symptoms found its modern expression in America in the early 20th century, with the invention of the polygraph, the "lie detector" so beloved of spy films and pulp detective novels.Polygraphs are much used in the land of their invention, but Britain has traditionally been rather disdainful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disdainful" to describe a clear feeling or expression of contempt. Ensure the context makes the negative evaluation apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "disdainful" when simply expressing a difference of opinion or mild disagreement. "Disdainful" implies a strong feeling of contempt, which may be too harsh for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

Disdainful functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something exhibiting contempt or scorn. Ludwig indicates that it's a commonly used and accepted term in written English, signifying a pronounced lack of concern for those viewed as unworthy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "disdainful" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone or something showing contempt or scorn. According to Ludwig, the term is commonly used in written English. Our analysis reveals that while "disdainful" is most prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, it's crucial to use it accurately, as it conveys a strong negative emotion. Overusing it in place of simpler terms like "uninterested" can be inappropriate. By understanding its nuances and consulting alternatives such as "contemptuous" or "scornful", writers can use "disdainful" effectively to add depth and precision to their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemptuous

Synonymous, but emphasizes a feeling of superiority.

scornful

Implies open dislike and a lack of respect.

supercilious

Suggests an arrogant sense of self-importance and condescension.

haughty

Indicates pride and a belief in one's superiority.

contemptuous of

Focuses specifically on the object of contempt.

with disdain

Expresses the action of showing disdain, rather than being inherently disdainful.

looking down on

A more informal way to describe a feeling of superiority.

having contempt for

Similar to 'contemptuous of', but emphasizes the act of holding contempt.

snobbish

Highlights a focus on social status and exclusion.

belittling

Focuses on the act of making someone or something seem unimportant.

FAQs

How can I use "disdainful" in a sentence?

"Disdainful" is an adjective used to describe someone showing contempt or scorn. For example, "She gave him a "disdainful" look when he interrupted her."

What are some synonyms for "disdainful"?

Alternatives to "disdainful" include "contemptuous", "scornful", and "supercilious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "disdainful" and "disrespectful"?

"Disdainful" implies a feeling of contempt or scorn, while "disrespectful" indicates a lack of respect. A "disdainful" attitude often involves looking down on someone or something, while being "disrespectful" might involve rude behavior.

When is it inappropriate to use the word "disdainful"?

It's inappropriate to use "disdainful" in situations where a mild disagreement or lack of interest is present, instead of the intended strong feeling of contempt. Using "disdainful" when "uninterested" or "apathetic" would be more appropriate can sound overly dramatic or harsh.