Definition
Dismissive means showing a lack of interest or concern and considering something as unimportant.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Synonyms
uninterested, unconcerned, indifferent, offhand, disregarding, neglectful, aloof, cool, disdainful.
Antonyms
Respectful, attentive, interested, considerate, regardful, supportive, thoughtful, appreciative, careful.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | dismission, dismissal, dismissions, dismissals |
| Verb | dismissed, dismisses, dismiss, dismissing |
| Adjective | dismissible, dismissive |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The teacher was dismissive of the student’s questions and didn’t bother to answer them.
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She was dismissive of his opinions, refusing to even listen to what he had to say.
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John was dismissive of his colleagues’ achievements and thought he was better than them.
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The doctor was dismissive of the patient’s concerns, telling them they were just imagining things.
Usage
The word dismissive is widely used in both casual and formal contexts. It can be used to describe someone who is showing a lack of interest or concern towards a particular person, event or thing. For example, in corporate settings, a dismissive attitude towards a co-worker’s ideas or suggestions can be detrimental to the overall success of the team. Similarly, in relationships, being dismissive towards someone’s feelings or opinions can cause a rift between partners.
The word dismissive is an adjective that can be used on its own, but can also be combined with prefixes and suffixes to modify its meaning. For example, the prefix ‘un-’ can be added to create the word ‘un-dismissive’, which means not showing a lack of interest or concern, or displaying respect towards something. Similarly, the suffix ‘-ly’ can be added to create ‘dismissively’, which is an adverb describing how someone is showing their dismissive attitude.
The root word of dismissive is ‘dismiss’, which means to reject or disregard something as unimportant or irrelevant. Other variations of the word include ‘dismissal’, which describes the act of ending a relationship or terminating employment, and ‘dismissible’, which means capable of being dismissed or easily disregarded.
In conclusion, the word dismissive is a versatile adjective that can convey a variety of attitudes and behaviors in different contexts. Its usage is not limited to any particular setting and can be combined with other words to create new meanings. However, it’s important to remember that being dismissive towards someone or something can have negative consequences, and it’s always good to approach each situation with an open mind and respect.