Definition

In a way that is rude, disrespectful, or insulting towards someone.

Example

He spoke contumeliously to his colleagues, showing no respect for their opinions.

Conversation

I can't believe how he spoke to her yesterday.

Yeah, it was really rude and almost contumeliously disrespectful.

Exactly! I don't understand why some people feel the need to act like that.

Right? We should always treat others with kindness, not contumeliously.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Contumeliously → It is formed from "contumelia" (meaning insult or injury) and the suffix "-ously" (meaning in a manner). The word describes behaving in a manner that is insulting or disrespectful.

Memory Tip

Think of 'contumelia' which means insult, and remember that 'contumeliously' describes acting in an insulting way.

Visually Confused Words