What does dismissive mean?
Dismissive is an adjective describing an attitude of rejecting or belittling someone or something as unworthy of serious attention. A dismissive person signals — through words, tone, gestures, or body language — that another person's ideas, feelings, or contributions simply do not matter. Typical examples include a dismissive wave of the hand, a dismissive tone of voice, or a dismissive remark that brushes off a concern without engaging with it. The word is firmly negative in connotation: it implies contempt, impatience, or disrespect, and describing someone as dismissive is nearly always critical. It is widely used in everyday conversation as well as in psychology, workplace commentary, and discussions of relationships, where dismissive behavior is often identified as damaging to communication and trust. Related forms include the adverb dismissively and the noun dismissiveness. The word derives from 'dismiss', ultimately from the Latin dimittere, meaning to send away in different directions — so a dismissive response quite literally sends a person or idea packing.
adjectiveShowing that you regard someone or something as unworthy of serious attention or consideration.
- Showing scorn or indifference toward someone or something regarded as unworthy of attention.
- (Of a gesture, tone, or remark) conveying rejection or minimization of another person's views or feelings.
"She gave a dismissive wave and turned back to her work."
"He was dismissive of the suggestion, brushing it aside without discussion."
"Her dismissive shrug made it clear she thought the idea wasn't worth her time."
When you're dismissive, you literally 'send away' a person or idea in your mind — the word carries the same Latin root as 'missile', which is exactly what your tone can feel like to the person receiving it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dismissive
Dismissive is formed from the verb 'dismiss' combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ive'. The verb traces back through Middle French to the Latin dimittere (past participle dimissus), meaning to send away, let go, or discharge, from dis- ('apart') and mittere ('to send'). The adjective emerged in English around the early 17th century. It shares its Latin root with a family of words built on mittere, including 'mission', 'missile', 'transmit', and 'permit'.
Related word forms
How dismissive is actually used
The word is common in both everyday speech and formal writing, particularly in discussions of interpersonal behavior, workplace dynamics, and emotional communication. It almost always carries negative connotations, implying rudeness or a lack of respect, so calling someone dismissive is generally a criticism rather than a neutral description.
Easily confused with dismissive
"Dismissible" means capable of being dismissed (as a case or an employee), while "dismissive" describes an attitude of rejecting something as unimportant.