Scornful

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈskɔɹnfəl/

Definitions

1. Showing a strong feeling of contempt or derision towards individuals or concepts
2. Exhibiting a condescending attitude characterized by derision or ridicule directed at others
3. Displaying an attitude that clearly shows disrespect and a lack of respect towards someone or something

Etymology: "Scornful" is a plain formation: the noun "scorn" with the suffix "-ful," meaning "full of." The suffix traces back through Old English "-ful" to Proto-Germanic roots, while "scorn" entered Middle English as a word for mockery or contempt, and "scornful" followed as a compound of the two. The word therefore describes someone brimming with scorn, a meaning it has kept without much shift. The suffix does the same job in "hopeful," "careful," and "joyful," each built the same way from a noun and "-ful."

Synonyms: contemptuous, derisive, disdainful, scoffing, mocking

Antonyms: respectful, admiring, approving, appreciative, tolerant