What does dismissively mean?
Dismissively is an adverb describing an action performed in a manner that rejects or belittles its target. When someone speaks, waves, or shrugs dismissively, they signal — often with a gesture or curt tone — that a person, idea, or objection is not worth their time or serious consideration. The word derives from 'dismissive', itself built on the verb 'dismiss', which traces back through Old French to Latin dimittere, meaning to send away in different directions. In modern usage it almost always connotes rudeness, arrogance, or coldness, making it a staple of character description in fiction and of critical commentary in journalism: one might describe an official responding dismissively to questions, or a colleague waving away a proposal dismissively. Its force lies in economy — a single adverb can convey an entire attitude of condescension without any further explanation.
adverbIn a manner that shows rejection or contempt; with an air of brushing someone or something aside as unimportant or unworthy of consideration.
- In a way that shows scornful rejection or disregard for a person, idea, or thing as unimportant.
"She waved the suggestion away dismissively and turned back to her desk."
""It's hardly worth discussing," he said dismissively."
"She dismissed his concerns with a dismissive flick of her hand."
The word 'dismissive' literally carries the idea of sending something away before it even gets a hearing — dismissing a person is, etymologically, dispatching them off court.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dismissively
Dismissively is formed from the adjective 'dismissive' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Dismissive' derives from the verb 'dismiss', which entered English in the late Middle Ages from Old French 'desmiss-', ultimately from Latin 'dimittere', composed of dis- ('apart') and mittere ('to send'). The same Latin root gives English words such as 'mission', 'transmit', and 'permit'. The adverb form developed naturally alongside the adjective and has been in common use since at least the nineteenth century.
Related word forms
How dismissively is actually used
Carries a clearly negative connotation, implying rudeness or arrogance on the part of the actor. Common in narrative prose and journalism describing interpersonal interactions; suitable in both formal and informal registers.
Easily confused with dismissively
'Discreetly' means carefully and tactfully so as to avoid attention, while 'dismissively' means showing contemptuous rejection — they differ in spelling and meaning entirely.