scornful

the word 'scornful' is a relatively modern english formation, built upon the older noun 'scorn'. the noun 'scorn' entered middle english from old french escarn, which likely has germanic roots, possibly related to notions of mocking or derision. the adjectival suffix '-ful', of native old english descent, is attached to indicate the quality of being full of or characterized by that noun. thus, the literal construction 'full of scorn' directly and logically yields the modern abstract meaning of expressing contemptuous disdain.

Structure: scorn (contempt) + ful (full of) scorn: of middle english origin, from old french escarn, meaning mockery or contempt. its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be germanic. ful: a suffix of old english origin (-full), meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by'.