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dismissive Definition

dis·mis·sive (-misiv)

adjective

  1. Rare dismissing or expressing dismissal
  2. haughty and contemptuous, condescending, etc. in dismissing from consideration

dismissive Related Forms

dis·mis·sively adverb

dismissive Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • claim: The Lib Dems were dismissive of the claims, concentrating on a campaign they believe could mop up lost Labor and Tory votes.
  • idea: It is also fairly dismissive of the idea of a carbon tax.
  • anything: I remember once Vic Godard being so dismissive of anything new.
  • suggestion: For a long time I was dismissive of this suggestion: because there didn't seem to be a coherent roads lobby.
  • people: But you are being unduly dismissive of people who honestly believe that the structure of the RC church is valid.

Modifies a noun

  • attitude: You're not alone in taking the rather dismissive attitude toward me that you do, of course.
  • remark: Ben Gunn's character comes alive despite all of the Jim's dismissive remarks about him.
  • gesture: Sam made a dismissive gesture at them before stacking her dishes and carrying them to the kitchenette.
  • wave: Bunch of glowy good for nothings, " Jack said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
  • comment: There are too many details involved for such a dismissive blanket comment to be considered factual.
  • manner: Same old, same old, " he waved his hand in a dismissive manner.

Modifying Another Word

  • equally: In Britain, establishment interest was equally dismissive of the potential of aircraft.
  • rather: There is a question of cost, which he is hiding behind at the moment, in his rather dismissive way.
  • somewhat: He then takes a somewhat dismissive look at a few of the other clubs before focusing on the underachievement of the national team.
  • initially: Initially dismissive of the precocious visitor, James ' is soon persuaded by a bag of dope from Harry's parents.
  • fairly: Reviews have been mixed: some very generous, others fairly dismissive.
  • too: It is far too dismissive of proven marketing practice.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: In the last newsletter the Editor seemed rather dismissive of our claim to membership of the human race.
  • become: In fact, he suddenly became very dismissive about the whole event when I was able to question him a couple of days later.