verächtlich
contemptuous
Expressing contempt or disdain; condescending.
EXAMPLE
Er machte eine verächtliche Bemerkung über die Kleidung seines Kollegen.
He made a contemptuous remark about his colleague's clothes.
verächtlich
contemptuous
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Verächtlich' (contemptuous) is derived from the verb 'verachten' (to despise someone or something). This in turn is the opposite of 'achten' (to respect). The prefix 'ver-' reverses the meaning here.
EXAMPLE
Sie sprach mit verächtlichem Ton über den neuen Film.
She spoke about the new film in a contemptuous tone.
Use as an adverb
The word is very often used as an adverb to describe the manner of an action. It often appears with verbs of perception or expression such as 'ansehen' (to look at), 'lachen' (to laugh), or 'sprechen' (to speak).
EXAMPLE
Er sah sie nur verächtlich an und sagte nichts.
He just looked at her contemptuously and said nothing.
Typical collocations
As an adjective before a noun, typical combinations are 'ein verächtlicher Blick' (a contemptuous look), 'eine verächtliche Geste' (a contemptuous gesture), or 'ein verächtliches Lächeln' (a contemptuous smile).
EXAMPLE
Mit einer verächtlichen Handbewegung wies er das Angebot zurück.
With a contemptuous wave of his hand, he rejected the offer.
Compare with
verächtlich vs verwerflich
reprehensible
Both words express a negative judgment, but verwerflich describes an action or attitude as morally very wrong. Verächtlich, on the other hand, primarily expresses disdain or a condescending attitude. Use verwerflich for an ethical judgment and verächtlich to express contempt.
verächtlich
Er sah den neuen Kollegen verächtlich an, weil er dessen Meinung nicht ernst nahm.
He looked contemptuously at the new colleague because he did not take their opinion seriously.
verwerflich
Viele Menschen finden es verwerflich, eine hilflose Person absichtlich zu täuschen.
Many people consider it reprehensible to deliberately deceive someone who is helpless.
In real life
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