How to pronounce contemptuous
Say it like kun-TEMP-choo-us. Contemptuous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contemptuous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- TEMP
- choo
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contemptuous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TEMPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- chooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contemptuous
American and British speakers say contemptuous in essentially the same way: /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/ in the US and /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: kun-TEMP-choo-us.
What does contemptuous mean?
- Showing contempt; expressing disdain; showing a lack of respect.“I don't know that guy, but he just gave me a contemptuous look.”
- Worthy of contempt; contemptible.
Where does contemptuous come from?
From Latin contemptus (whence contempt) + -ous.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying contemptuous
How do you pronounce contemptuous?
Say kun-TEMP-choo-us. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/. In British English it is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contemptuous?
Contemptuous has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEMP). Broken into parts: kun · TEMP · choo · us.
Do Americans and Brits say contemptuous the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/ and the British form is /kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.