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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.

dismissive – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology