kənˈtem(p)chəwəs adjective
Etymology: Latin contemptus contempt + English -ous
1. : manifesting, feeling, or expressing contempt or disdain
the crowd were actively against him, and he was utterly contemptuous and indifferent — Ernest Hemingway
the gambler smiled a thin, contemptuous smile — Dashiell Hammett
2. archaic : contemptible or exciting contempt : despicable
• con·temp·tu·ous·ly adverb
• con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun -es