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contumely
[kon-too-muh-lee, -tyoo-; kuhn-too-muh-lee, -tyoo-; kon-tuhm-lee, -tyoom, -chuhm]
Example Sentences
Origin
noun, plural -lies.
1.
insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment.
2.
a humiliating insult.
Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English contumelie (< Anglo-French ) < Latin contumēlia, perhaps akin to contumāx (see contumacy), though formation and sense development are unclear
1350–1400; Middle English contumelie (< Anglo-French ) < Latin contumēlia, perhaps akin to contumāx (see contumacy), though formation and sense development are unclear
Related forms
con·tu·me·li·ous·ly, adverb
con·tu·me·li·ous·ness, noun
Synonyms
1. abuse, scorn, disdain, rudeness.
1. abuse, scorn, disdain, rudeness.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Contumely
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare. |
Example Sentences
- All those years he's had to suffer all my contumely in my head.
- But the high points are in place as is a healthy share of contumely.
Collins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
| Main Entry: | contumely1 |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | rude treatment; insolence |
| Etymology: | Latin contumelia 'abuse, insult' |
| Usage: | pl. contumelies |
| Main Entry: | contumely2 |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | a rude and hurtful expression; insult |
| Etymology: | Latin contumelia 'abuse, insult' |
| Usage: | pl. contumelies |
| Main Entry: | contumely3 |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | disgrace from another's rudeness; humiliation |
| Etymology: | Latin contumelia 'abuse, insult' |
| Main Entry: | contumely |
| Part of Speech: | v |
| Definition: | to insult or treat rudely |
| Etymology: | Latin contumelia 'abuse, insult' |
| Usage: | transitive |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
contumely
late 14c., from L. contumelia "a reproach, insult," probably from contumax "haughty, stubborn," from com- intensive prefix + tumere "to swell up" (see thigh).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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