contumely
- noun
- /kənˈtjuːməli/
- Offensive
- To have done so would have exposed her to the contumely and ridicule of her friends.
Examples
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"Who would bear the whips and scorns of time, "th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, "the pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay.
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Nixon wasn't the first or last president to be hanged, drawn, and quartered while still in office, but he was the first to resign and thereafter to suffer the contumely of literary comedians and a profusion of rude burlesques.
Academic text (1995) -
After years of enduring constant contumely from his peers, he finally decided to stand up for himself.
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The politician faced public contumely after his controversial remarks were published in the newspaper.
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Her harsh words were filled with contumely, aiming to hurt his feelings during the argument.
Synonyms
A rude remark or action that hurts someone's feelings
Rude or insulting words said to hurt someone
Words that are rude and upset people, often about religion
Bitter, angry language that attacks people
A word people think is rude or not polite
Angry words that strongly insult someone
Saying or writing very harsh and unfair things about someone to damage their reputation
A rude remark that hurts or upsets someone
A rude comment meant to hurt someone or show no respect
A mean comment that aims to hurt someone
An offensive or rude word considered inappropriate in polite speech
A rude word people use when angry or to insult someone
A set of harsh insulting words meant to hurt someone
Very rude words or actions that hurt people
Antonyms
How Insulting
- Offensive
- Offensive
Surface Forms
Etymology
Contumely comes from the Latin word contumelia, which meant 'insult' or 'humiliation', so it still describes rude or insulting language or treatment meant to hurt someone.