What does scornful mean?
Scornful is an adjective meaning that someone expresses contempt, disdain, or mockery toward another person or thing. It commonly describes a look, smile, tone, laugh, or remark that conveys contempt more forcefully than ordinary dislike would. The word has a strongly negative connotation and can suggest that someone regards a person, idea, or object as unworthy of respect. For example, a scornful response implies not only that the speaker disagrees but that they find the subject ridiculous or beneath their attention. Scornful is used in both British and American English and is especially effective when describing visible or audible expressions of disdain.
adjectiveShowing or expressing contempt or disdain; dismissive and mocking.
- Showing or expressing contempt, disdain, or mockery.
- Behaving in a dismissive or superior manner, often as though someone or something deserves no respect.
"She gave him a scornful look before walking away."
"The speaker's scornful tone made the audience uncomfortable."
"He responded with a scornful smile when he heard the ridiculous excuse."
A scornful glance can communicate contempt without a single word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scornful come from?
Scornful was formed in English by combining the established noun scorn with the suffix -ful, meaning “full of.” The noun scorn has roots in Old French and was established in English long before the adjective was formed. The construction follows a common English pattern in which -ful turns a noun into an adjective describing a quality associated with that noun.
Related word forms
How scornful is actually used
The adjective is often used for looks, smiles, tones, laughter, and remarks. It conveys more than simple dislike, suggesting overt contempt or mockery.
Easily confused with scornful
Scornful describes a manner or expression of contempt, whereas scorned means treated with contempt or disdain.