noun · C2

Contumely

KONT-yoom-il-ee/ˈkɒntjuːmɪli/

Contumely is insolent or insulting language or treatment (literary / formal): suffer contumely, a blast of contumely. To insult (already in the dictionary) is everyday offence; insolent (already in the dictionary) is the adjective of insulting rudeness to authority, and invective (already in the dictionary) is abusive attack — the close twin of language. Effrontery (already in the dictionary) is shameless insolence as nerve. This batch: contumacious is stubbornly disobedient; an imprecation is a spoken curse. Banter is not a conduct minute.

Meaning

Insolent or insulting language or treatment (literary / formal).

Examples

“File contumely as a conduct minute, not as “banter”.”
“To insult is to offend with words (already in B1). Insolent is insultingly rude to authority (already in C2). Invective is abusive verbal attack (already in C2). Effrontery is shameless insolence (already in C2). Contumacious is stubbornly disobedient (this batch). An imprecation is a spoken curse (this batch). A dated finding can still be sharp. Heat that never numbers the risk is theatre. Write the minute; leave the sneer.”

Good to know

Insulting scorn (literary). Everyday: insult (already in this dictionary). Close: insolent / invective / effrontery (already in C2). This batch: contumacious; imprecation. Banter ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

insult, scorn, invective, contempt

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