dismissive
UK[dɪsˈmɪsɪv]US[dɪsˈmɪsɪv]
adj
Showing that you think something or someone is not important and not worth considering
adj
Behaving in a way that shows you do not think someone or something is worth your attention or respect
Morpheme Breakdown
dis
miss
ive
dis
away, apart
miss
send
ive
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
The word "dismissive" is built upon the core concept of "sending away," inherited from the Latin verb dismissus, the past participle of dimittere (to send away, disperse). This Latin verb itself is a compound of dis- (apart) and mittere (to send). The literal, physical act of sending someone away evolved metaphorically into the act of rejecting an idea, a proposal, or a person from one's consideration. The addition of the adjectival suffix -ive transforms the action into a descriptive quality, characterizing a person or attitude as one that figuratively "sends away" subjects, treating them as unworthy of attention or respect.
Analysis
Structure: dis (away, apart) + miss (send) + ive (adjective-forming suffix)
dis: A Latin prefix meaning "apart," "away," or "having a negative or reversing force."
miss: A Latin root from the verb mittere, meaning "to send."
ive: A suffix of Latin origin (-ivus) used to form adjectives meaning "tending to," "having the nature of," or "performing the action of."
Examples
He was dismissive of my suggestions, saying they were impractical.
She gave a dismissive wave of her hand and continued with her work.
The manager's dismissive attitude towards customer complaints led to a decline in business.