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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 herab
down
'herab' and 'verächtlich' overlap in meaning when 'herab' is used in the phrase 'von oben herab' (condescendingly / from above). Then it is about an attitude in which someone belittles others. 'verächtlich' describes more directly that someone is showing contempt, for example through a look, a laugh, or a sentence. 'von oben herab' emphasizes the attitude more strongly: someone acts as if they are better than the others. 'verächtlich' fits when the rejection or disdain itself is the main focus.
verächtlich
Lisa war verletzt, weil Tom verächtlich über ihre Idee lachte.
Lisa was hurt because Tom laughed contemptuously at her idea.
herab
Der Chef sprach von oben herab mit dem neuen Mitarbeiter.
The boss spoke condescendingly to the new employee.
In real life
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