contemptive

comparative more contemptive · superlative most contemptive

1. human sciencesOf or pertaining to, or creating a word form denoting the negative attitude of the speaker.

   One of the most striking features of the vocabulary of Nishnaabemwin is the frequency that contemptive endings appear on basic (LEXICAL) noun forms, in other words, on noun stems that never occur without the contemptive suffix and which do not have salient contemptive force.

   2001, J. Randolph Valentine, Nishnaabemwin Reference Grammar

2. rareContemptuous.

   A contemptive epithet applied to any place. “Sich a smuce!” a teetotaler would say in relating his experience of a gin-shop.

   1862, “The” Dialect of Leeds and Its Neighbourhood

   1 more example

   This he tries to compensate through various means. The show of vulgar power, rude behaviour, a generally contemptive attitude are but a few of them.

   1984, D. N. Gautam, What is wrong with Indian police?, page 225

plural contemptives

1. human sciencesA word form expressing the negative attitude of the speaker.