contumely etymology

Etymology

• Latin: contumelia ("insult, abuse")
• Proto-Indo-European: *ḱent- ("to be sharp, to cut")

Meaning

• Treating someone with extreme disrespect or scorn
• Scornful or insulting language or behavior

Origin

The word "contumely" entered English in the 16th century from the Latin "contumelia." The Latin word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "ḱent-," which means "to be sharp, to cut." This root is also found in the English words "cut," "knife," and "keen."

The original meaning of "contumely" was "a sharp or cutting remark." Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include any form of disrespect or scorn.

contumely relate terms

• contumacious

  Etymology Latin contumax meaning rebellious insolent From contra against

• contumely

  Etymology Latin contumelia insult abuse Proto Indo European ḱent to be shar

• contumacy

  Etymology and Meaning The word contumacy derives from the Latin word contumacia whic

• contumely

  Etymology Latin contumelia insult abuse Proto Indo European ḱent to be shar

• abuse

  Etymology The word abuse derives from the Latin word abusus which is made up of the

• billingsgate

  Etymology Billings as in payment Gate a large doorway or opening into an enclosed

• vitriol

  Etymology The word vitriol comes from the Latin word vitreolum which means glassy

• vituperation

  Etymology Latin vituperatio abusive language blame From vituperare to abuse Fro

• invective

  Etymology The word invective comes from the Latin word invehi which means to carry

• moor

  Etymology The word moor originates from the Old English word mōr which meant heat

• crusade

  Etymology Medieval Latin cruciata marked with a cross Late Latin crux cross

• kind