What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disdainful
Example
She gave him a disdainful look and walked away. [disdainful: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a disdainful tone, making it clear that he thought he was better than everyone else. [disdainful: adjective]
scornful
Example
She gave him a scornful laugh and turned her back on him. [scornful: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a scornful manner, making fun of the other person's ideas. [scornful: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scornful is more commonly used than disdainful in everyday language. Scornful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disdainful is less common and may be perceived as more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disdainful and scornful?
Both disdainful and scornful are typically associated with a formal or literary tone. However, scornful is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
