Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contemptuous'

English Word: contemptuous

Key Russian Translations:

• презрительный [prʲɪzʲɪˈrʲitʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal/Informal]
• надменный [nɐdˈmʲennɨj] - [Formal]
• высокомерный [vɨsəkɐˈmʲernɨj] - [Formal/Informal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

презрительный: [prʲɪzʲɪˈrʲitʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on презрительный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "р" sound is rolled, typical in Russian pronunciation.

надменный: [nɐdˈmʲennɨj]

Note on надменный: Stress on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft "н" sound.

высокомерный: [vɨsəkɐˈmʲernɨj]

Note on высокомерный: Stress on the fourth syllable. The "ы" vowel is a distinct Russian sound, not found in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Showing disdain or scorn

Translation(s) & Context:

• презрительный - Commonly used to describe a tone, look, or attitude of disdain.
• надменный - Often used for an attitude of superiority or arrogance, slightly stronger than презрительный.
• высокомерный - Refers to haughty or condescending behavior, often in social interactions.

Usage Examples:

• Она посмотрела на него с презрительной улыбкой.

  She looked at him with a contemptuous smile.

• Его надменный тон раздражал всех в комнате.

  His contemptuous tone irritated everyone in the room.

• Он всегда ведет себя высокомерно с подчиненными.

  He always behaves contemptuously toward his subordinates.

• Ее презрительный взгляд говорил о полном пренебрежении.

  Her contemptuous gaze spoke of complete disdain.

• Высокомерные замечания только усугубили ситуацию.

  Contemptuous remarks only worsened the situation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All three translations are adjectives and follow standard Russian adjective declension patterns based on gender, number, and case.

презрительный (base form, masculine singular, nominative case):

Note: Similar declension patterns apply to надменный and высокомерный. Consult a full declension table for other cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for презрительный:

• пренебрежительный
• снисходительный (in some contexts)

Note: "пренебрежительный" is closer to "neglectful disdain," while "снисходительный" can sometimes imply a milder, patronizing tone.

Antonyms for презрительный:

• уважительный
• почтительный

Related Phrases:

• презрительный взгляд - A contemptuous look
• надменное поведение - Contemptuous behavior
• высокомерный тон - A haughty tone

Usage Notes:

• "презрительный" is the most direct translation for "contemptuous" and is widely used for describing scornful expressions or tones.
• "надменный" often carries a nuance of arrogance and is more specific to an attitude of superiority.
• "высокомерный" is frequently used in social contexts to describe someone acting above others, often interchangeable with "надменный" but slightly more common in spoken language.
• These adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical feature to master.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "презрительный" for physical superiority or height.
  Incorrect: Он был презрительный над толпой. (Intending to mean "He towered over the crowd.")
  Correct: Use "возвышался" for physical towering. "Презрительный" strictly implies an emotional or attitudinal disdain.
• Error: Confusing "надменный" with "надёжный" (reliable).
  Incorrect: Он такой надменный друг. (Intending to mean "He is such a reliable friend.")
  Correct: Use "надёжный" for reliability. "Надменный" means arrogant or contemptuous.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, displaying a "презрительный" or "высокомерный" attitude can be particularly frowned upon in communal or workplace settings, where humility and respect are often valued. Such behavior might be associated with historical stereotypes of aristocracy or elitism, especially when using "надменный."

Related Concepts:

• пренебрежение (disdain)
• гордость (pride)
• спесь (arrogance)