ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dismissive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪsˈmɪsɪv// UK //dɪsmˈɪsɪv// dis·mis·sive

adj. showing that you do not think something or someone is important or worth your time. You use this to describe a person's rude or cold attitude.

adj. indicating that something is unworthy of serious consideration. Often used to describe a facial expression, tone of voice, or general attitude that rejects another's ideas or presence.


SIMPLE

He gave a dismissive wave of his hand.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager was quite dismissive of my suggestions during the meeting, barely looking up from her laptop.

COMPLEX

Her dismissive attitude toward the new safety protocols suggests a lack of concern for the potential risks involved in the laboratory experiments.

Origin

From dismiss + -ive.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'of'. Often appears after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

Pitfall

he was dismissive about my ideahe was dismissive of my ideaThe adjective 'dismissive' typically collocates with the preposition 'of' rather than 'about'.

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