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dismissively

dismissively

6 5.5
In a way that shows you think something is not important
  • adverb
  • /dɪsˈmɪsɪvli/
translation icon : despectivamente
  • Every time I've brought it up, my neighbor dismissively claims she's quote working on it, but I've never once seen her walk the dog or even leave the house.

But not just regular mean, dismissively, sneeringly mean.

Examples

  • "He's far fonder of Meg than he is of me," she said dismissively.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • He shrugged dismissively at the suggestion, showing he had no interest in pursuing it.

  • Then, after a few small hours, she'd ask me dismissively when I planned to return.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I was part of that 5% who you so dismissively refer to as "welfare."

    Blog text (13)
  • " I suppose some people would say so," Diana said dismissively.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • "I do not agree," she said, waving her hand dismissively.

    Academic text (2010)
  • "I don't know about that," he said, quickly and dismissively, his eyes averted.

    Blog text (34)
  • Shouldn't we open it?" Yoshitake replied dismissively to the elderly Tai's comment.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Fayth's head swiveled around, her dark eyes narrowing on Ridley before turning dismissively back to contemplate the flames.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Oh, that?" She gestured dismissively at the patch of earth which now sported a vaguely girl-shaped indentation.

    Fiction book (1999)

Synonyms

blithely
vsdismissively
15 8.1

In a cheerful, careless way that shows little concern

is about deliberate lack of attention rather than cheerful carelessness
offhand
vsdismissively
7 6.9

Showing little care or interest in a casual way

implies ignoring importance but with less deliberate coldness
contemptuously
vsdismissively
4 7.5

In a way that shows you have no respect for someone or something

is milder, focusing on ignoring importance rather than outright contempt
scornfully
vsdismissively
4 6.0

In a way that shows strong dislike and disrespect

is about not treating as important more than expressing dislike
condescendingly
vsdismissively
4 7.8

In a way that shows someone thinks they are better or smarter than other people

focuses on ignoring importance rather than asserting higher status
cavalierly
vsdismissively
3 8.2

In a proud way that shows no concern for other people's feelings or safety

is more about withholding attention than proud indifference
flippantly
vsdismissively
3 8.0

In a way that shows little respect and treats things lightly

means refusing attention because of low regard rather than jokingness
disparagingly
vsdismissively
  • Offensive
3 7.3

In a way that shows you do not respect someone and say bad things about them

means withholding attention or importance rather than direct belittling
disdainfully
vsdismissively
3 7.3

With a look or voice that shows strong dislike and no respect

centres on ignoring importance rather than showing active superiority
patronizingly
vsdismissively
  • Offensive
1 8.6

Acting as if you are better than other people

is primarily about not considering something important rather than lecturing
irreverently
vsdismissively
1 7.8

In a way that shows lack of respect for things people take seriously

is about not valuing something rather than intentionally offending seriousness
inconsiderately
vsdismissively
1 6.5

Without thinking about other people's feelings

focuses on not valuing something rather than simply lacking consideration
slightingly
vsdismissively
9.9

In a way that shows little respect for someone or their work

focuses on not treating something as important rather than insult
scoffingly
vsdismissively
  • Offensive
8.6

In a rude way that shows you think someone is silly

is less mocking and more about ignoring importance
deprecatingly
vsdismissively
8.2

To act or speak in a way that shows you do not like something

emphasizes neglecting attention rather than offering critical judgment

Antonyms

101 2.3

In a polite way to someone

43 3.7

In a careful way that shows you pay attention before deciding

How Dismissive

scornfully
4 6.0
dismissively
6 5.5

Surface Forms

dismissively positive
dismissivelyer comparative
dismissivelyest superlative

Morphology

dismissively = dismissive (transparent) = dismiss + ive + ly

The adverb is formed regularly from the adjective 'dismissive' with '-ly', so the meaning is straightforwardly recoverable.

Etymology

Dismissively comes from dismiss, which joins dis- 'away' and miss 'send', the same idea as the common English word 'send'. So, to dismiss someone is to 'send them away' or treat them as 'not important', and dismissively describes that cold, uninterested way of acting.