What does scorned mean?
Scorned is the past tense and past participle of scorn and also functions as an adjective meaning rejected, disparaged, or treated with contempt. The word suggests not merely disapproval or mild dislike, but a strong sense of contempt or disdain. A person or work may be scorned by critics, supporters, or the public, and the word often appears in literary, political, and journalistic writing. As an adjective, scorned can describe a person who has been rejected or humiliated, or an idea, proposal, or work regarded as unworthy. The expression is especially forceful because it presents contempt as the dominant response: the scorned person or thing is not simply disliked, but openly dismissed. The word retains a formal, somewhat dramatic register, making it especially effective in reporting and commentary.
To regard or treat someone or something with contempt or disdain.
"The audience scorned the speaker's attempt to evade the question."
Usually transitive and often used in passive constructions such as 'scorned by critics.'
Rejected, disparaged, or regarded with contempt.
"The journal published a scorned critique of the new policy."
This adjectival use is common in literary and journalistic prose.
To be scorned is to be judged not merely unfavorably, but with open contempt.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of scorned
Scorn is an English word that developed from Old French scornir, meaning to disdain or laugh at. That form was influenced by or derived from the Latin verb scornere, associated with the Latin noun scornus, meaning mockery or contempt. The modern adjective and participial form scorned follows the ordinary English pattern of forming the past tense and past participle with -ed. Related forms such as scornful continue to express the idea of contempt or disdain.
Related word forms
How scorned is actually used
The form is common in literary and journalistic contexts and often carries a stronger sense of deliberate contempt than simple criticism. As an adjective, it can describe people, works, proposals, or ideas.
Easily confused with scorned
Scorn is the present-tense verb and noun, while scorned is its past tense, past participle, and an adjective meaning held in contempt.
Scandal usually refers to an event or conduct that is shocking or widely criticized, whereas scorned describes someone or something treated with contempt.