C2adverbemotionsrelationships
US/kənˈtemp.tʃu.əs.li/
UK/kənˈtemp.tʃu.əs.li/
in a way that shows you think someone or something is worthless or deserves no respect
In context
He laughed contemptuously when his rival claimed to have won the debate.
The rich guest looked contemptuously at the cheap plastic chairs.
Bullying victims are sometimes treated contemptuously by the very adults who should protect them.
Words that go with contemptuously
verb + adverb
- laughed contemptuouslyThe bully laughed contemptuously at the boy's old shoes.
- smiled contemptuouslyThe champion smiled contemptuously as his opponent entered the ring.
- looked contemptuouslyShe looked contemptuously at the fake designer bag.
- snorted contemptuouslyMy uncle snorted contemptuously at the idea of a vegetarian Tet meal.
- spoke contemptuouslyHe often spoke contemptuously of anyone who disagreed with him.
adverb + verb
- contemptuously dismissedThe minister contemptuously dismissed the protesters' demands.