with disdain

USAGE SUMMARY

"with disdain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone expresses a feeling of contempt, scorn, or reproach towards someone or something. For example: "She looked at him with disdain when he told her he had quit his job without another lined up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Really?" he said with disdain.

The New Yorker

"Western values" are spoken of with disdain.

The New York Times

Their eyes fill with disdain and scorn.

The New York Times - Sports

But Wahabism views such practices with disdain.

Independent

"A flower?" he said with disdain.

The New Yorker

"From Banana Republic," she said with disdain.

The New Yorker

"Are you serious?" she asked with disdain.

The New York Times

Dissenters were usually treated with disdain.

The Economist

His face wrinkled with disdain.

The New York Times

He treats it with disdain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Albany treats them with disdain".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with disdain" to clearly communicate a strong feeling of disapproval or contempt. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey. Choose it when a simple 'dislike' isn't enough.

Common error

Avoid using "with disdain" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound pretentious or overly dramatic in everyday situations. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "looked down on" or "didn't like" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with disdain" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates the manner in which someone perceives or treats something, as Ludwig examples illustrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with disdain" serves to express a potent blend of contempt and scorn, deployed to signify not just disliking, but also a sense of superiority. Ludwig shows its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in news and media contexts where the nuances of emotion need to be clearly communicated. However, Ludwig also suggests caution in informal settings, where its formality might come across as excessive. When writing, remember that this phrase is best reserved for scenarios where a strong, negative sentiment needs to be explicitly highlighted, carefully balancing its impactful nature with the setting in which it is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with scorn

Substitutes "disdain" for "scorn", another close synonym.

with contempt

Replaces "disdain" with "contempt", maintaining a formal tone.

contemptuously

Adverb expressing the action is done with contempt; simpler, single-word replacement.

scornfully

Adverb indicating an action performed with scorn; direct synonym in adverbial form.

with derision

Emphasizes mockery and ridicule in the expression.

with a sneer

Highlights the physical expression of contempt.

with marked disrespect

Highlights the lack of respect shown.

in a condescending manner

Describes the way something is done, focusing on the superior attitude.

with a dismissive attitude

Focuses on the act of rejecting or ignoring something.

with disapproval

Indicates a negative judgment, less intense than "disdain".

FAQs

How can I use "with disdain" in a sentence?

Use "with disdain" to show someone regards something as unworthy or inferior. For example, "She looked at his suggestion "with disdain", clearly unimpressed by the idea".

What's a simpler way to say "with disdain"?

Alternatives include expressing contempt "contemptuously" or "scornfully", which are adverbs that directly convey the feeling of scorn or contempt.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "with disdain"?

Yes, using "with disdain" might be unsuitable in casual or friendly settings because it can sound overly formal or harsh. Opt for less intense expressions of disagreement or dislike in such contexts.

What's the difference between "with disdain" and "with disapproval"?

"With disdain" implies a stronger sense of superiority and rejection, whereas "with disapproval" simply indicates disagreement or not liking something. Disdain involves a sense of contempt, while disapproval is a milder form of negative judgment.