contumely

Definitions

Same swollen-pride root as contumacy: con- (thoroughly) + tum (swell). But where contumacy is the defiance a puffed-up person shows authority, contumely is the scorn and insult that same puffed-up person heaps on others — haughty contempt expressed in words or treatment.

Why It Means This

Contumely and contumacy are siblings from the same image — pride swelling up like a balloon — but they point in opposite directions. Contumacy is the swollen person refusing to bow down; contumely is what that swollen person dishes out: scorn, insult, humiliation. It is now a literary word, famous from Hamlet's 'the proud man's contumely.'

Common Collocations

• 1.suffer contumely遭受辱骂
• 2.heap contumely on对……极尽羞辱
• 3.open contumely公然的轻蔑

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He bore the contumely of his rivals without flinching.

• 2.

  Hamlet's speech lists "the proud man's contumely" among life's burdens.

• 3.

  The refugees were treated with open contumely.

Easily Confused

contumely vs contumacy — Same root, opposite roles. contumacy = stubborn disobedience to authority (you defy the court). contumely = insulting, contemptuous treatment of others (you sneer at people). Defying up → contumacy; scorning down → contumely.