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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Contumelious

Definition

(formal, literary) Showing or feeling contempt or disdain for someone or something, often in a way that is openly scornful or insulting. Typically used to describe behaviour or language that is deliberately hurtful or humiliating.

Example Sentences

1The critic's contumelious review of the novel was widely seen as a personal attack on the author.
2Is it possible to express disagreement without being contumelious, or does the very act of criticism imply a degree of disdain?
3The company's response to the customer complaint was perceived as contumelious, leading to a public relations crisis.
4Avoid using contumelious language in your academic writing; instead, focus on presenting a clear and respectful argument.
5There is a fine line between satire and contumelious ridicule, and the best comedians know how to walk it.

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