look of contempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look of contempt" 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: "When she heard his opinion, her look of contempt was unmistakable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When I asked for them, I received a look of contempt.

The New York Times

To me they were pathetic, and I looked at them with a look of contempt.

The Guardian - Arts

The colonel, his sunglasses hiding his eyes but not the look of contempt that curled around his lips, moved on to the next cluster of men.

The New York Times

He shot me a look of contempt, gave an annoyed wave of the hand and cut short history class, only to hold Koran study next.

The New York Times - Books

I'm met with a look of contempt.

Vice

What I see on his face is the look of contempt especially given the disrespect he had just shown the new President on his second day on the job.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was the looks of contempt that did it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Popping your gum is quite obnoxious for those around you and will result in looks of contempt from many.

WikiHow

She turns her head slowly and freezes him with a look of pure contempt.

The New York Times

Mallory, embittered by her failure to earn a third Michelin star, gives Hassan his first exposure to that "uniquely Gallic look of nuclear contempt for one's inferiors".

The New York Times - Books

When Everett explained to him what I was doing, the man studied me with a look of pitying contempt, then turned away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "look of contempt" to vividly depict a character's reaction or feeling towards someone or something, adding emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "look of contempt" when a simpler expression of dislike or disagreement would suffice. The phrase implies a strong feeling of disdain, so ensure the context warrants such intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look of contempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific facial expression communicating disdain or scorn. Ludwig's examples show its role in depicting interpersonal dynamics and reactions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look of contempt" is a noun phrase used to describe a facial expression that conveys strong disdain or scorn. While grammatically correct and versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is a valid expression in English, although its frequency is uncommon. For alternative expressions, consider "expression of disdain" or "glance of scorn". When using this phrase, ensure that the intensity of the emotion matches the context to avoid misinterpretation. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, making it a useful tool for adding emotional depth to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of disdain

Replaces "look" with a more general term, focusing on the outward manifestation of contempt.

glance of scorn

Substitutes "contempt" with "scorn", highlighting the feeling of intense dislike and disapproval.

air of disdain

Shifts from a visual cue to an overall atmosphere or manner conveying contempt.

demeanor of contempt

Emphasizes the behavior and attitude that suggests contempt.

face of scorn

Similar to "glance of scorn" but more direct, focusing on the facial expression.

gesture of contempt

Focuses on a specific action or movement that expresses contempt.

display of contempt

Highlights the open and obvious nature of the contempt being shown.

manifestation of disdain

A more formal way of describing the outward expression of contempt.

bearing of contempt

Describes how someone carries themselves, indicating their contemptuous attitude.

attitude of scorn

Focuses on the underlying feeling of scorn that drives the outward expression.

FAQs

How can I use "look of contempt" in a sentence?

You can use "look of contempt" to describe someone's facial expression when they feel strong disdain or scorn. For example, "She gave him a look of contempt after he interrupted her".

What's the difference between a "look of contempt" and a "look of disapproval"?

A "look of contempt" implies a stronger sense of disdain and scorn, while a "look of disapproval" suggests a milder feeling of disagreement or dissatisfaction.

Are there any synonyms for "look of contempt"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "expression of disdain", "glance of scorn", or "air of disdain" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "look of contempt" formal or informal?

The phrase "look of contempt" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the overall tone and context. It's generally considered neutral.