What does scornfulness mean?
Scornfulness is the quality of regarding someone or something with contemptuous, dismissive disrespect. It describes more than ordinary dislike or disagreement: the person or thing is treated as unworthy of serious consideration, respect, or even courteous attention. The noun can refer to an inward attitude, but it is also used for an openly contemptuous manner of speaking or behaving. Scornfulness commonly appears in literary and formal writing, particularly when a speaker rejects an argument, mocks a person, or expresses disdain for an institution or convention. Because it conveys a strong and often confrontational attitude, it is usually reserved for conspicuous expressions of contempt rather than mild irritation. In ordinary discussion, contempt or disdain may be clearer and more familiar choices. Scornfulness is nevertheless useful when the emphasis falls on the quality of the behavior or the manner in which contempt is displayed.
nounThe quality or expression of scornful contempt or dismissive disrespect. It denotes an attitude that treats a person, action, or thing as unworthy of serious regard.
- The quality or expression of contemptuous, dismissive disrespect.
"She dismissed the proposal with open scornfulness, refusing to consider its merits."
"His scornfulness was evident in the dismissive tone of his reply."
"The article was written with the scornfulness of someone convinced that the entire enterprise was foolish."
Scornfulness is normally treated as an uncountable noun, although plural forms can occur in unusual contexts.
"The two displays of scornfulness drew attention from the audience."
Scornfulness is more than simple dislike: it conveys a refusal to treat its target as worthy of respect or serious consideration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scornfulness come from?
The related noun scorn entered Middle English from Old French, where it was written scorn or escorn and meant contempt or disdain; the Old French word is generally traced to a Germanic source. The English noun scornfulness was formed by adding the productive suffix -ness to scorn, expressing the quality or state of being scornful.
Related word forms
How scornfulness is actually used
A formal or literary term that is less common than contempt or disdain. It often suggests a particularly visible or forceful form of contempt.
Easily confused with scornfulness
Scorn is the contemptuous feeling or judgment itself, whereas scornfulness emphasizes the quality or outward expression of that attitude.
Scornfulness is a noun naming an attitude or quality, while scornful is the adjective describing a person, expression, or tone that displays contempt.