Scornful Meaning and Definition
Scornful
Pronunciation
/ˈskoʁnfl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Contemptuously proud or disdainful; having or showing a feeling of superiority or disdain towards someone or something.
Examples
- She looked scornful at the question, clearly thinking it was beneath her.
- He wore his disdain openly, as if he were scornful of everyone around him.
- Her condescending tone left a bad impression, coming across as scornful and superior.
- He was scornful of the idea, dismissing it as a waste of time.
- Their scornful attitude towards the volunteer work was disappointing to see.
Synonyms
- Contemptuous
- Disdainful
- Aloof
Antonyms
- Respectful
- Humorous
- Kind
Etymology
The word “scornful” comes from the Old English word “scornfōl”, which is derived from the verb “scorn” meaning “to despise” or “to contemn”.
Usage Notes
Scornful can be used to describe someone’s tone, body language, or facial expression. It can also be used to describe a feeling or attitude that someone has towards something or someone.
Cultural References
The word “scornful” is often used in literature, film, and music to convey a sense of disdain or contempt. For example, in Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”, Hamlet is described as being scornful of his uncle’s prompt remarriage after his father’s death.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Looking down one’s nose
- Talking down to someone
- Patronizing someone
Related Words or Phrases
- Contemptuous
- Disdainful
- Snobbish
Collocations
- Scornful tone
- Scornful attitude
- Scornful smile
Frequency of Use
The word “scornful” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it is more commonly used in formal writing, such as literature and academic papers.
Common Misspellings
- Scarnful
- Scourgnal