contemptuously

comparative more contemptuously · superlative most contemptuously

1. In a disrespectful or discourteous manner; condescendingly.

   He argued with the judge contemptuously, showing no respect or remorse for his actions.

   5 more examples

   Ralph, who was a thickset clownish figure, arrived at his full strength, and conscious of the most complete personal superiority, laughed contemptuously at the threats of the slight-made stripling.

   1820, [Walter Scott], chapter VII, in The Abbot. […], volume I, Edinburgh: […] [James Ballantyne & Co.] for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, […]; and for Archibald Constable and Company, and John Ballantyne, […], →OCLC, page 146

   'They haven't no more philosophy nor political economy about 'em than that,' said the beadle, snapping his fingers contemptuously.

   1867, Charles Dickens, chapter 4, in Oliver Twist

   A eunuch is a negative creature. A beardless Moslem is contemptuously designated as manless.

   1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page iii

   He snapped his fingers contemptuously at the alarm clock. "I fear thee not, thou ticking tyrant."

   1971, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle and the Magic Zodiac, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 29

   Under the statute an individual who "publicly mutilates, tramples upon, defaces or treats contemptuously the flag of the United States[…]" was subject to criminal liability.

   1986, Treatise on Constitutional Law: Substance and Procedure, volume 3, page 36

   Synonyms: condescendingly, disdainfully, disrespectfully