BharatNotes Contemptuous
adjectiveUsage in a UPSC answer
The court noted that the petitioner's repeated failure to file the undertaking directed by it, combined with contemptuous remarks about the bench in public statements, warranted initiation of criminal contempt proceedings.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
contempt (noun), contemptibly (adverb), contemptible (adjective), contemptuously (adverb), despise (cognate verb)
Root
Latin contemptus (scorn) ← contemnere (to despise) ← con- (intensive) + temnere (to slight)
Etymology
From Latin contemptuosus, an adjective derived from contemptus (the act of despising). The Latin contemnere likely related to a root meaning 'to cut' or 'to slight'. The word entered English in the late 16th century through legal and literary use.
Memory Hook
CONTEMPTUOUS contains CONTEMPT. If you con-TEMPT someone by tempting them to anger through scorn, your attitude is contemptuous. The CON (against) + TEMPT: acting against respect.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
Showing scorn or disdain. Take care with it in constitutional writing, because contemptuous describes an attitude while contempt of court is a distinct legal category concerning conduct that obstructs or scandalises the administration of justice. Criticism of a judgment is not contempt, and answers on judicial accountability are stronger for stating that boundary clearly.
Don’t Confuse It With
Contemptuous expresses scorn. Contemptible means deserving scorn, which is close to the opposite direction. Contempt of court is a legal category, not merely a rude attitude. Disdainful and derisive describe the same posture at different intensities.
Hindi Meaning
तिरस्कारपूर्ण (tiraskārpūrn) or अवमाननापूर्ण (avamānanāpūrn).
Common Questions
- What does contemptuous mean?
- Showing scorn or disdain for someone or something.
- Is contemptuous the same as contemptible?
- No. Contemptuous means showing scorn. Contemptible means deserving to be scorned.
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