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sneering

B1 Adjective, Verb (present participle) #38 가장 일반적인 15분 분량

sneering

상위 38

At the A1 level, 'sneering' is a very advanced word, but we can understand it simply. Think about when someone makes a 'mean face' because they think they are better than you. Imagine a person who doesn't like your drawing and makes a face with their lip going up. That is a sneer. When we say someone is 'sneering,' we mean they are acting like a 'bully' with their face or their words. It is not a nice way to act. In simple English, you might say 'He is being mean' or 'He has a bad face.' As you learn more, you can use 'sneering' to describe this specific kind of mean behavior. It is important to know that this word is always about being disrespectful. If you see a character in a cartoon who thinks they are the king and everyone else is small, they are probably sneering. You can remember it by thinking of a 'snarling' dog, but for a person who is being proud and rude.

For A2 learners, 'sneering' is a word that helps you describe people's feelings and actions more clearly. It means showing that you do not respect someone. If a student laughs at another student's old shoes, they are 'sneering' at them. It is more than just laughing; it is laughing because you think you are superior or 'cooler.' You will often see this word in stories about school or in movies with a bad character. When you use it, you usually say 'sneering at' something. For example, 'The big boy was sneering at the small boy.' It describes a mix of a mean smile and a look of disgust. It is a useful word because it tells us exactly how someone is being mean. Instead of just saying 'He was rude,' you can say 'He was sneering,' and people will know he was acting like he was better than everyone else. It is a strong word, so use it when someone is really being quite unpleasant.

At the B1 level, you should start using 'sneering' to describe attitudes and tones of voice, not just faces. It is an adjective or a verb that shows contempt—the feeling that someone or something is worthless. You might hear it in a conversation about a movie: 'I didn't like the main character; he was always sneering at people.' This means he had an arrogant and disrespectful attitude. It is different from 'mocking' because 'sneering' often involves a specific facial expression (curling the lip) and a feeling of superiority. In B1 English, you can use it to add detail to your descriptions. For example, 'She gave a sneering reply to his question.' This tells the reader that she didn't just answer; she answered in a way that made him feel stupid. It is a common word in news reports or articles that criticize people in power for not caring about regular people. Learning this word helps you understand the nuances of social conflict and character development in English.

As a B2 learner, you can use 'sneering' to discuss social dynamics and rhetorical styles. It often describes an elitist attitude. For instance, you might read about 'sneering intellectuals' who look down on popular culture. Here, 'sneering' suggests a cynical and arrogant dismissal of things that are liked by many people. You should also recognize it as a present participle used to describe how someone performs an action: 'He walked away, sneering over his shoulder.' This adds a layer of descriptive detail to your writing. At this level, you can distinguish 'sneering' from 'smirking' (which is more about self-satisfaction) and 'scoffing' (which is more about disbelief). 'Sneering' is particularly useful in essays or debates when you want to criticize someone's lack of respect or their patronizing tone. It carries a heavy emotional weight and can be used to paint a vivid picture of a character's internal state of pride and contempt for others.

At the C1 level, 'sneering' becomes a tool for sophisticated social and literary analysis. You can use it to describe the 'sneering disregard' for norms or the 'sneering tone' of a piece of satire. It often appears in critiques of classism and institutional arrogance. For example, one might analyze a text by saying, 'The author employs a sneering narrative voice to highlight the hypocrisy of the upper class.' This implies that the very way the story is told shows contempt for the subjects. You should also be aware of its use in political science and sociology to describe 'status anxiety,' where those who feel their status is threatened might engage in sneering behavior to reassert their dominance. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'sneering' in complex sentence structures, such as 'The sneering dismissal of the grassroots movement by the media only served to further alienate the public.' It is a word that captures the intersection of emotion, social hierarchy, and communication style.

For C2 proficiency, 'sneering' is understood in its most subtle and metaphorical applications. You can use it to describe not just people, but entire systems, ideologies, or aesthetic movements. For instance, 'the sneering minimalism of the architecture' might suggest a style that feels cold, exclusionary, and superior to more traditional, 'human' designs. You can also explore the etymological links between 'sneer' and 'snarl,' noting how the word bridges the gap between animalistic aggression and human social posturing. In high-level literary criticism, you might discuss a 'sneering subtext' that runs through a work, indicating a hidden layer of contempt that isn't explicitly stated but is felt through the choice of imagery and tone. At this level, 'sneering' is a precise instrument for deconstructing power relations and the ways in which individuals and groups signal their perceived superiority. You should be able to use it with perfect precision, knowing exactly when it is more appropriate than 'derisive,' 'sardonic,' or 'contemptuous' based on the specific nuances of the situation.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

sneering 30초 만에

Sneering is a way of showing you think someone is beneath you using a mean face or sarcastic words.
It is commonly used to describe villains in stories or arrogant people in real-life social situations.
The word is stronger than 'mocking' because it implies a deep feeling of superiority and contempt.
Grammatically, it can be an adjective (a sneering look) or a verb form (he was sneering at me).

The word sneering is a powerful descriptor used to characterize a specific type of facial expression or a tone of voice that radiates contempt, disdain, and a sense of superiority. When someone is sneering, they are not merely disagreeing with an idea or person; they are actively signaling that they find the subject beneath them, unworthy of respect, or even pathetic. This term functions as both an adjective—describing a person's look or remark—and as the present participle of the verb 'to sneer.' In social dynamics, a sneering attitude is often used as a defensive mechanism or a tool of social exclusion, where the individual attempts to elevate their own status by diminishing others through mockery. The physical act of sneering typically involves a slight curling of the upper lip, often on one side, which is a universal human expression of disgust or contempt. This micro-expression is easily recognizable across cultures, making the word 'sneering' universally evocative of a negative, judgmental interaction.

Social Context: Sneering is frequently observed in environments where competition for status is high, such as high school hierarchies, political debates, or high-stakes corporate settings. It is the hallmark of the 'villain' in literature who looks down upon the hero's humble origins.

The critic dismissed the young artist's work with a sneering comment about its lack of technical depth.

In modern discourse, 'sneering' is often used to describe the attitude of elites toward the general public, or vice versa. It implies a lack of empathy and a refusal to engage with the actual content of an argument, choosing instead to mock the person delivering it. When you hear someone described as having a 'sneering disregard' for the rules, it suggests that they don't just break the rules, but they find the very idea of following them to be laughable and beneath their dignity. This word is essential for describing the nuances of interpersonal conflict where the goal is to humiliate the opponent rather than to reach a consensus.

Physicality: A sneering face is often described in literature as having a 'curled lip' or 'narrowed eyes,' which helps the reader visualize the character's immediate rejection of whatever they are looking at.

He stood by the door, sneering at the guests as they arrived in their cheap suits.

Furthermore, 'sneering' can be applied to inanimate objects or systems if they are perceived as being designed to mock or belittle. For instance, a 'sneering editorial' in a newspaper is one that treats its subject with blatant disrespect. The word captures the essence of cynicism combined with arrogance. It is a word that describes the 'how' of communication—not just what is said, but the toxic attitude that accompanies the delivery. Understanding 'sneering' is key to identifying passive-aggressive behavior and overt displays of social dominance.

Tone of Voice: A sneering tone is usually characterized by a slow, deliberate pace and a sarcastic inflection, designed to make the listener feel small or foolish.

'Oh, how original,' she said in a sneering drawl that made him regret showing her his painting.

The aristocrat gave a sneering laugh when the peasant asked for a fair wage.

Stop sneering at my efforts and try to help for once!

Using the word sneering correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical versatility as both an adjective and a participle. When used as an adjective, it directly modifies a noun to describe its quality of contempt. For example, 'a sneering remark' or 'a sneering expression.' In these cases, the word provides immediate emotional context to the noun, telling the reader that the remark or expression was intended to belittle. When used as a participle, it often describes the manner in which an action is performed, frequently following a verb of communication or movement. For instance, 'He spoke, sneering at her lack of experience.' Here, 'sneering' describes the simultaneous action that colors the speaking. It is important to note that 'sneering' is almost always negative; it is rarely used to describe a playful or friendly interaction, unlike 'teasing' or 'joking.'

Adjectival Usage: The adjective form is most common when describing physical features or specific verbal outputs that carry a permanent or semi-permanent air of superiority.

Her sneering attitude made it impossible for the team to collaborate effectively.

When constructing sentences with 'sneering,' consider the target of the contempt. The word is often followed by the preposition 'at' when used as a verb form. 'She was sneering at the outdated fashion of the tourists.' This structure clearly identifies the object of the disdain. In literary writing, 'sneering' is a favorite for 'show, don't tell' techniques. Instead of saying a character is arrogant, an author might describe them as 'sneering at the help.' This allows the reader to infer the character's personality through their actions. Additionally, 'sneering' can be used to describe non-human entities in a metaphorical sense, such as 'the sneering silence of the empty hall,' suggesting a cold, unwelcoming atmosphere that seems to judge the observer.

Participial Phrases: Using 'sneering' in a participial phrase at the beginning or end of a sentence can add descriptive depth to a character's entrance or exit.

Sneering with contempt, the prosecutor turned away from the witness stand.

In professional writing, 'sneering' should be used with caution as it is a highly subjective and emotionally charged word. If you use it in a report, you are making a definitive judgment about someone's intent. However, in creative writing, journalism, and opinion pieces, it is an excellent tool for painting a vivid picture of a conflict. It helps to distinguish between a simple 'smile' (which is positive), a 'smirk' (which is self-satisfied), and a 'sneer' (which is hateful). By choosing 'sneering,' you are specifically highlighting the element of looking down on someone. It is also useful in the context of social criticism, where one might describe a 'sneering dismissal' of a serious problem, indicating that the person in power does not take the issue or the people affected by it seriously.

Common Verb Pairings: Sneering is often paired with verbs like 'dismissed,' 'replied,' 'looked,' and 'laughed' to intensify the negative connotation of those actions.

'You think you're so smart,' he said, sneering as he threw the book on the table.

The sneering tone of the email was enough to make her quit her job on the spot.

He couldn't help sneering at the amateurish attempts of his competitors.

The word sneering is a staple in English literature, film, and political commentary. In classic novels, you will often find it used to describe the antagonist—the person who represents the corrupt or arrogant upper class. For example, in the works of Charles Dickens or Jane Austen, 'sneering' is used to highlight the social friction between characters of different ranks. When a character is described as 'sneering,' the reader immediately understands that this person is a barrier to the protagonist's happiness or success. In film and television, 'sneering' is a direction given to actors to convey a specific type of 'mean' that is cold and calculated. Think of the iconic 'mean girl' in a high school movie or the 'corrupt CEO' in a thriller; their power is often projected through a sneering expression that tells the hero they are insignificant.

In Literature: Authors use 'sneering' to provide instant characterization. It is a shortcut to establishing a character as unlikeable and prideful.

'I see you've brought your little friend,' Malfoy said, sneering at Ron's worn robes.

In the realm of politics and journalism, 'sneering' is a common accusation. One side might accuse the other of having a 'sneering attitude toward traditional values' or 'sneering at the concerns of working-class families.' In this context, the word is used to frame an opponent as out of touch, elitist, and disrespectful. It is a powerful rhetorical tool because it taps into the audience's resentment of being looked down upon. You will also hear it in sports commentary, particularly when a dominant team or athlete shows a lack of respect for an underdog. A 'sneering celebration' after a goal or a point can be seen as unsportsmanlike, as it mocks the losing side rather than just celebrating the win.

In Daily Life: While people might not say 'Stop sneering' in every casual argument, the word is used when recounting a story to emphasize how rude someone was being.

The waiter was so sneering when I asked for the gluten-free menu that I didn't even want to eat there.

Furthermore, 'sneering' appears in academic and intellectual debates. When one scholar dismisses another's theory without proper evidence, they might be described as 'sneering at the methodology.' This implies that the dismissal is based on intellectual arrogance rather than a logical critique. In the world of fashion and art, 'sneering' is often associated with the 'gatekeepers' who decide what is 'in' and what is 'out.' Their sneering judgment can make or break a newcomer's career. Overall, the word is a vital part of the English lexicon for describing the darker side of human social interaction—the part where we use our status to make others feel small.

Pop Culture: In music reviews, a 'sneering vocal performance' often refers to punk or rock singers who sing with a deliberate edge of rebellion and contempt for authority.

The punk singer delivered the lyrics with a sneering intensity that defined the genre.

The internet is full of sneering comments from people who hide behind anonymous profiles.

She gave a sneering look to the person who cut in line at the grocery store.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with the word sneering is confusing it with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words like 'smirking,' 'smiling,' or 'scoffing.' While all of these involve facial expressions or vocalizations, they carry very different emotional weights. A 'smirk' is a smile that is smug or self-satisfied, but it doesn't necessarily involve the same level of active contempt as a 'sneer.' You might smirk because you know a secret, but you sneer because you think someone is beneath you. Confusing 'sneering' with 'smiling' is a major error, as a smile is generally positive, whereas a sneer is inherently negative. Even a 'sarcastic smile' is not quite the same as a 'sneering' expression, which is more visceral and aggressive.

Sneering vs. Smirking: Smirking is often about oneself (feeling clever), while sneering is always about the other person (feeling they are inferior).

Incorrect: He was sneering because he won the game. (Use 'smirking' if he's just happy with himself; use 'sneering' only if he's mocking the loser.)

Another frequent mistake is using 'sneering' as a synonym for 'angry.' While a person who is sneering might also be angry, the two are not the same. Anger is a hot, active emotion, while sneering is often cold and detached. You can sneer without being angry; you can sneer simply because you are bored or unimpressed. Furthermore, some learners use 'sneering' to describe any kind of joke or tease. This is incorrect because 'sneering' implies a lack of affection. If you are 'sneering' at a friend, you are likely hurting their feelings or acting like you are better than them, which is not what friends usually do when they tease each other. It's also important to get the preposition right: you sneer *at* someone, not *to* or *on* them.

Sneering vs. Scoffing: Scoffing is usually a verbal sound of disbelief, while sneering is more about the facial expression and the overall attitude of superiority.

Correct: She gave a sneering laugh when he suggested they walk instead of taking a limo.

Lastly, be careful with the spelling. Because it comes from 'sneer,' the double 'e' is essential. Some learners mistakenly write 'snearing' or 'sniering.' Also, remember that 'sneering' can be an adjective, but 'sneer' is the noun and the base verb. You can have 'a sneer' on your face, or you can be 'sneering.' Don't say 'He had a sneering on his face'—that's grammatically incorrect. Use the noun 'sneer' for the object and the adjective/participle 'sneering' for the description of the state or action. Misusing these forms can make your writing feel clunky and less precise.

Spelling and Form: Double-check the 'ee' and ensure you are using the correct part of speech for the sentence structure.

Incorrect: He had a sneering that lasted all day. (Correct: He had a sneer that lasted all day / He was sneering all day.)

The sneering bully was finally put in his place by the teacher.

Don't be so sneering about other people's hobbies; everyone has different interests.

To truly master the word sneering, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and understand the subtle differences in meaning. 'Sneering' is part of a family of words that describe negative social attitudes, but each has its own 'flavor.' For instance, 'scornful' and 'disdainful' are very close in meaning, but they are often used in more formal or literary contexts. 'Scornful' implies a deep-seated feeling that someone is worthless, while 'disdainful' suggests a more aloof, detached sense of superiority. 'Mocking,' on the other hand, is more active and often involves imitation. If you are mocking someone, you might be repeating their words in a funny voice. If you are sneering at them, you are likely just making a face or saying something mean that shows you think they are beneath you.

Sneering vs. Mocking: Mocking is often louder and more performative, while sneering can be a quiet, subtle facial expression or a single sharp word.

The comedian was mocking the politician's accent, but the politician's sneering response showed he didn't care.

Another interesting comparison is with 'jeering.' 'Jeering' is usually collective and loud, like a crowd at a sporting event shouting insults at the opposing team. 'Sneering' is more individual and personal. You can sneer in a crowded room without anyone but your target noticing, but you can't really 'jeer' quietly. Then there is 'derisive,' which is an academic or formal way of saying 'sneering.' A 'derisive laugh' is exactly the same as a 'sneering laugh,' but you would use 'derisive' in a formal essay and 'sneering' in a story or a conversation. Understanding these levels of formality and intensity helps you choose the right word for the right situation.

Sneering vs. Jeering: Jeering is a loud, public act of mockery; sneering is a more intimate, often silent, display of contempt.

The crowd began jeering when the player missed the shot, but the coach just stood there sneering at the bench.

Finally, consider the antonyms. Words like 'respectful,' 'admiring,' 'complimentary,' and 'humble' are the opposites of 'sneering.' If 'sneering' is about looking down on someone, 'admiring' is about looking up to them. If 'sneering' is about pride, 'humble' is about the lack of it. By knowing these opposites, you can better understand the boundaries of what 'sneering' actually means. It is a word that exists on the far end of the 'disrespect' spectrum. In creative writing, you can create a powerful contrast by having a character move from a 'sneering' attitude to a 'respectful' one, showing significant character growth or a change in their understanding of a situation.

Register Comparison: Formal: Contemptuous, Derisive. Neutral: Sneering, Scornful. Informal: Snotty, Stuck-up.

Instead of his usual sneering comments, he actually offered a complimentary word about her progress.

The sneering villain finally met his match in the hero's unwavering kindness.

He was tired of the sneering elitism of the art world and decided to start his own gallery.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"The defendant's sneering demeanor during the trial was noted by the jury."

중립

"She gave a sneering response to the reporter's question."

비격식체

"I'm sick of your sneering attitude; just be nice for once!"

Child friendly

"The mean giant was sneering at the little boy."

속어

"He's just a sneery hater, don't listen to him."

재미있는 사실

The physical act of sneering is one of the universal human expressions identified by Charles Darwin in his study of emotions. It is biologically linked to the instinct to pull the lip away from something that smells bad.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈsnɪərɪŋ/

US /ˈsnɪrɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: SNEER-ing.

라임이 맞는 단어

clearing hearing nearing fearing rearing steering veering cheering

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it like 'snaring' (with an 'air' sound).
Pronouncing it like 'sneezing' (confusing the 'r' with a 'z').
Dropping the 'g' at the end (sneerin').
Making the 'ee' sound too short.
Confusing it with 'steering'.

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in literature and news, but requires understanding of nuance.

쓰기 4/5

Hard to use correctly without sounding overly dramatic or subjective.

말하기 3/5

Useful for describing people, but not a word used every day.

듣기 3/5

Easily recognized once the 'sn' and 'ee' sounds are mastered.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

mean rude laugh face better

다음에 배울 것

contemptuous disdainful arrogant patronizing condescending

고급

supercilious sardonic derisive imperious haughty

알아야 할 문법

Participles as Adjectives

The 'sneering' man (sneering describes the man).

Gerunds after Prepositions

He was tired 'of sneering' at everyone.

Present Participle for Simultaneous Action

He walked away, 'sneering' as he went.

Prepositional Choice

Always use 'at' after 'sneering' when there is an object.

Adverbs from Adjectives

He looked at her 'sneeringly'.

수준별 예문

The mean boy was sneering at my lunch.

Le méchant garçon se moquait de mon déjeuner avec mépris.

Present continuous tense used to describe a current action.

Don't be sneering; it is not nice.

Ne sois pas méprisant ; ce n'est pas gentil.

Imperative mood with a present participle.

He had a sneering face in the picture.

Il avait un visage méprisant sur la photo.

Adjective modifying the noun 'face'.

The cat looked like it was sneering.

Le chat avait l'air de ricaner avec mépris.

Simile using 'looked like'.

Stop sneering at your sister!

Arrête de te moquer de ta sœur avec mépris !

Verb 'stop' followed by a gerund.

She is sneering because she is mean.

Elle ricane avec mépris parce qu'elle est méchante.

Simple cause-and-effect sentence.

The giant was sneering at the tiny man.

Le géant ricanait avec mépris devant le petit homme.

Past continuous tense.

A sneering look can hurt feelings.

Un regard méprisant peut blesser les sentiments.

Adjective used as a subject modifier.

The popular girls were sneering at her old dress.

Les filles populaires se moquaient de sa vieille robe avec mépris.

Plural subject with past continuous.

He gave a sneering laugh when I fell down.

Il a eu un rire méprisant quand je suis tombé.

Adjective modifying 'laugh'.

I don't like his sneering attitude.

Je n'aime pas son attitude méprisante.

Possessive adjective 'his' with the noun phrase.

Why are you sneering at my ideas?

Pourquoi te moques-tu de mes idées avec mépris ?

Interrogative sentence in present continuous.

The king was sneering at the poor people.

Le roi ricanait avec mépris devant les pauvres.

Focus on social hierarchy.

She made a sneering comment about his hair.

Elle a fait un commentaire méprisant sur ses cheveux.

Adjective modifying 'comment'.

He is always sneering, so he has no friends.

Il est toujours méprisant, donc il n'a pas d'amis.

Adverb 'always' with present continuous for habitual behavior.

The sneering bully was very scary.

Le tyran méprisant était très effrayant.

Adjective modifying 'bully'.

The critic's sneering review destroyed the play's reputation.

La critique méprisante a détruit la réputation de la pièce.

Possessive noun with an adjective-noun phrase.

He replied in a sneering tone that made me angry.

Il a répondu sur un ton méprisant qui m'a mis en colère.

Prepositional phrase 'in a sneering tone'.

Stop sneering at the way she speaks; she's trying her best.

Arrête de te moquer de sa façon de parler ; elle fait de son mieux.

Gerund phrase after 'stop'.

The aristocrat looked at the workers with a sneering disregard.

L'aristocrate regardait les ouvriers avec un mépris arrogant.

Noun phrase 'sneering disregard' as the object of a preposition.

I could see him sneering in the background of the video.

Je pouvais le voir ricaner avec mépris à l'arrière-plan de la vidéo.

Participle phrase describing the object 'him'.

Her sneering dismissal of my plan was very hurtful.

Son rejet méprisant de mon plan a été très blessant.

Adjective modifying the abstract noun 'dismissal'.

The villain stood there sneering as the hero fell into the trap.

Le méchant restait là à ricaner avec mépris alors que le héros tombait dans le piège.

Simultaneous action described by a participle.

It's hard to talk to someone who is constantly sneering at you.

Il est difficile de parler à quelqu'un qui vous méprise constamment.

Relative clause 'who is constantly sneering'.

The politician's sneering attitude toward the protesters backfired.

L'attitude méprisante du politicien envers les manifestants s'est retournée contre lui.

Subject is a complex noun phrase.

He was accused of sneering at traditional values in his latest book.

Il a été accusé de mépriser les valeurs traditionnelles dans son dernier livre.

Passive voice 'was accused of' followed by a gerund.

The sneering tone of the editorial alienated many regular readers.

Le ton méprisant de l'éditorial a éloigné de nombreux lecteurs réguliers.

Adjective modifying 'tone'.

She couldn't hide her sneering contempt for the corporate hierarchy.

Elle ne pouvait cacher son mépris arrogant pour la hiérarchie de l'entreprise.

Adjective modifying 'contempt'.

The athlete was fined for sneering at the referee's decision.

L'athlète a été condamné à une amende pour s'être moqué avec mépris de la décision de l'arbitre.

Gerund after the preposition 'for'.

Sneering at the competition is a sign of weakness, not strength.

Se moquer de la concurrence avec mépris est un signe de faiblesse, pas de force.

Gerund phrase used as the subject.

The film depicts the sneering elitism of the 1920s upper class.

Le film dépeint l'élitisme méprisant de la classe supérieure des années 1920.

Adjective modifying 'elitism'.

He watched the amateur performance with a sneering, half-smile.

Il regardait la performance amateur avec un demi-sourire méprisant.

Coordinate adjectives 'sneering, half-smile'.

The professor's sneering dismissal of the student's theory was unprofessional.

Le rejet méprisant de la théorie de l'étudiant par le professeur était peu professionnel.

Complex possessive structure.

There was a sneering quality to his voice that suggested he knew more than he was letting on.

Il y avait une qualité méprisante dans sa voix qui suggérait qu'il en savait plus qu'il ne le laissait paraître.

Noun phrase 'sneering quality' used as a subject complement.

The documentary highlights the sneering disregard for environmental regulations in the industry.

Le documentaire souligne le mépris arrogant pour les réglementations environnementales dans l'industrie.

Adjective modifying 'disregard'.

He spent the entire evening sneering at the 'low-brow' entertainment provided.

Il a passé toute la soirée à mépriser le divertissement 'populaire' proposé.

Participle phrase following a time expression.

The sneering cynicism of the modern age can be quite overwhelming.

Le cynisme méprisant de l'ère moderne peut être assez accablant.

Abstract noun phrase with an adjective.

She responded to the allegations with a sneering, defiant statement.

Elle a répondu aux allégations par une déclaration méprisante et provocatrice.

Adjectives 'sneering, defiant' modifying 'statement'.

The author's sneering portrayal of the middle class has been widely criticized.

Le portrait méprisant de la classe moyenne par l'auteur a été largement critiqué.

Passive voice with a complex subject.

Sneering at the plight of the poor is a hallmark of his political ideology.

Se moquer du sort des pauvres avec mépris est une caractéristique de son idéologie politique.

Gerund phrase as subject.

The diplomat's sneering condescension nearly derailed the peace negotiations.

La condescendance méprisante du diplomate a failli faire dérailler les négociations de paix.

High-level vocabulary like 'condescension' and 'derailed'.

The novel is a scathing critique of the sneering intellectualism that ignores human emotion.

Le roman est une critique cinglante de l'intellectualisme méprisant qui ignore l'émotion humaine.

Complex relative clause.

He possessed a sneering wit that he used to dismantle his opponents' arguments.

Il possédait un esprit méprisant qu'il utilisait pour démanteler les arguments de ses adversaires.

Adjective modifying 'wit'.

The sneering indifference of the bureaucracy made it impossible for the refugees to find help.

L'indifférence méprisante de la bureaucratie a rendu impossible pour les réfugiés de trouver de l'aide.

Abstract subject with 'made it impossible'.

She delivered the lines with a sneering subtext that only the most attentive viewers noticed.

Elle a prononcé les répliques avec un sous-entendu méprisant que seuls les spectateurs les plus attentifs ont remarqué.

Noun phrase 'sneering subtext'.

The sneering aesthetic of the avant-garde movement was a direct challenge to bourgeois values.

L'esthétique méprisante du mouvement d'avant-garde était un défi direct aux valeurs bourgeoises.

Historical/artistic context.

To dismiss the concerns of the electorate as mere 'populism' is a sneering simplification of the issue.

Rejeter les préoccupations de l'électorat comme du simple 'populisme' est une simplification méprisante du problème.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

He was a man of sneering certainties, never once doubting his own intellectual superiority.

C'était un homme aux certitudes méprisantes, ne doutant jamais une seule fois de sa propre supériorité intellectuelle.

Plural noun 'certainties' modified by 'sneering'.

자주 쓰는 조합

sneering remark

sneering laugh

sneering expression

sneering disregard

sneering tone

sneering dismissal

sneering face

sneering comment

sneering elitism

sneering contempt

자주 쓰는 구문

Stop sneering!

A sneering look

Sneering at the world

With a sneering curl of the lip

Sneering indifference

A sneering reply

Sneering superiority

Sneering at the help

A sneering snort

Sneering dismissal

자주 혼동되는 단어

sneering vs smirking

Smirking is a self-satisfied smile; sneering is a look of contempt for someone else.

sneering vs scoffing

Scoffing is usually a verbal expression of disbelief; sneering is an overall attitude of superiority.

sneering vs jeering

Jeering is loud and public mockery; sneering is often quieter and more personal.

관용어 및 표현

"Look down one's nose at"

To think that you are better than someone else; very similar to sneering.

She always looks down her nose at people who don't have a degree.

Informal

"Turn up one's nose at"

To reject something because you think it is not good enough for you.

He turned up his nose at the offer of a free meal.

Informal

"High and mighty"

Behaving as if you are much more important than others.

Don't get all high and mighty with me; we're equals.

Informal

"On one's high horse"

Acting in an arrogant or superior way.

She's on her high horse again, telling us how to live our lives.

Informal

"Cock a snook at"

To show contempt or lack of respect for someone or something (British English).

The artist liked to cock a snook at the establishment.

Informal/British

"Pooh-pooh something"

To dismiss an idea as being silly or unimportant.

They pooh-poohed my suggestion for a new marketing strategy.

Informal

"Thumb one's nose at"

To show a lack of respect or to defy someone openly.

The teenagers thumbed their noses at the security guard.

Informal

"Talk down to"

To speak to someone as if they are less intelligent than you.

Stop talking down to me; I know what I'm doing.

Neutral

"Sniff at something"

To show that you do not think something is good enough.

A salary of $50,000 is nothing to be sniffed at.

Informal

"Give someone the cold shoulder"

To ignore someone in a disrespectful or unfriendly way.

After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.

Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

sneering vs snaring

Similar spelling and sound.

Snaring means catching something in a trap; sneering is a facial expression of contempt.

He was snaring rabbits in the woods, not sneering at them.

sneering vs sneezing

Starts with 'sne-'.

Sneezing is a physical reaction to dust or a cold; sneering is an emotional expression.

I was sneezing because of the flowers, but he thought I was sneering at him.

sneering vs steering

Rhymes with sneering.

Steering means controlling the direction of a vehicle; sneering is about attitude.

He was steering the car while sneering at the other drivers.

sneering vs snearing

Common misspelling.

This is not a word; the correct spelling is 'sneering' with a double 'e'.

Always check your spelling for 'sneering'.

sneering vs shearing

Similar sound.

Shearing means cutting the wool off a sheep; sneering is a look of disdain.

The farmer was shearing the sheep, not sneering at them.

문장 패턴

The [person] is sneering.

The boy is sneering.

[Person] is sneering at [something].

She is sneering at my shoes.

He [verb] with a sneering [noun].

He laughed with a sneering tone.

His sneering [noun] [verb] the [object].

His sneering comment hurt her feelings.

[Gerund phrase] is a sign of [noun].

Sneering at the poor is a sign of arrogance.

The [noun] was characterized by a [adjective] and sneering [noun].

The debate was characterized by a cold and sneering elitism.

Stop [gerund]!

Stop sneering!

Despite his [noun], he was [adjective].

Despite his sneering attitude, he was actually quite lonely.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Common in literature and journalism; less common in casual spoken English unless describing a specific event.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'sneering' instead of 'smirking' for a self-satisfied smile. → He smirked when he got the answer right.
A smirk is about your own success; a sneer is about someone else's failure or inferiority.
Saying 'sneering to' instead of 'sneering at'. → He was sneering at my efforts.
The verb 'sneer' always takes the preposition 'at' when directed toward an object.
Spelling it as 'snearing'. → She was sneering at the messy room.
The word is spelled with a double 'e', derived from 'sneer'.
Using 'sneering' to describe a friendly tease. → He was teasing me about my new hat.
Sneering is never friendly; it always involves contempt and a lack of respect.
Confusing 'sneering' with 'snoring'. → He was snoring loudly in his sleep.
Snoring is a sound made while sleeping; sneering is a facial expression of disdain.

팁

Use for Characterization

When writing a story, use 'sneering' to quickly show that a character is arrogant without having to explain their whole history. It's a very efficient word for building a personality.

Master the 'EE'

Make sure the 'ee' sound is long and clear. If it's too short, it might sound like 'snaring,' which is a completely different word. Practice with 'see' and 'near'.

Learn the Synonyms

If you find yourself using 'sneering' too much, try 'scornful' or 'disdainful' for a more formal feel, or 'mocking' for a more active type of meanness.

Avoid it in Real Life

Being described as 'sneering' is never a compliment. If you want to be seen as a leader or a good friend, aim for a 'respectful' or 'encouraging' attitude instead.

Don't Forget 'At'

Whenever you are sneering toward a person or an object, always use the preposition 'at.' 'He was sneering at the rules,' not 'He was sneering the rules.'

Listen for Sarcasm

A sneering tone is almost always sarcastic. If you hear someone saying something nice but their voice sounds 'wrong' or mean, they might be using a sneering tone.

Look for the Lip

In books, authors often describe a 'curled lip' right before or after using the word 'sneering.' This is a classic literary clue to the character's emotion.

Class Context

In English literature, 'sneering' is often a way to show class conflict. Pay attention to who is sneering at whom; it usually tells you a lot about the social hierarchy in the story.

Double 'E' is Key

Remember the double 'e' in 'sneer.' It's a common mistake to use only one 'e' or to add an 'a.' Just think of 'peer' or 'deer' to help you remember the spelling.

Emotional Weight

Understand that 'sneering' is a heavy word. It's not just a little bit mean; it's a deep expression of dislike and superiority. Use it when the situation is truly serious.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Snear' (Sneer + Near). When someone gets too 'near' your 'ear' and 'sneers,' they are being rude and arrogant.

시각적 연상

Imagine a rich person in a tuxedo looking at a dirty penny on the ground with one side of their lip curled up. That face is a sneer.

Word Web

Sneering Arrogant Contempt Curled lip Mocking Superior Disdain Mean

챌린지

Try to describe a movie villain using the word 'sneering' in three different ways: their face, their voice, and their attitude.

어원

The word 'sneer' originated in the mid-16th century. It is thought to be of Germanic origin, possibly related to Middle Dutch 'snouwen' (to snarl or scold) or Middle Low German 'snaren' (to chatter or rattle).

원래 의미: Originally, it meant to snarl like a dog, which perfectly describes the curling of the lip that we still associate with the word today.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using this word to describe people from different cultures; what looks like a sneer in one culture might be a different expression in another. However, as a description of an attitude, it is universally understood as an insult.

In the UK and US, sneering is often associated with 'snobbery'—the belief that one's social class or education makes them better than others.

Severus Snape from Harry Potter is often described as sneering. The poem 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley mentions a 'sneer of cold command' on a statue's face. In 'Pride and Prejudice,' Mr. Darcy is initially perceived as sneering at the local society.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

School/Bullying

sneering at the new kid
a sneering laugh in the hallway
sneering about someone's clothes
the bully's sneering face

Politics/Debate

a sneering dismissal of the policy
sneering at the opposition
the politician's sneering tone
sneering disregard for the voters

Literature/Movies

the sneering villain
a sneering curl of the lip
sneering from the shadows
the character's sneering arrogance

Workplace

a sneering remark in a meeting
sneering at a colleague's idea
the boss's sneering attitude
sneering about the company rules

Art/Criticism

a sneering review
sneering at popular art
the critic's sneering judgment
sneering elitism in the gallery

대화 시작하기

"Have you ever dealt with a sneering person at work or school?"

"Why do you think some people feel the need to be sneering toward others?"

"In your favorite movie, which character has the best sneering face?"

"Is it possible to be sneering without saying a single word?"

"How do you usually react when someone is sneering at your ideas?"

일기 주제

Describe a time when you felt someone was sneering at you. How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?

Write a short story about a character who is always sneering, but then something happens to change their attitude.

Do you think 'sneering' is more common in certain social classes or groups? Explain your thoughts.

Reflect on a time when you might have been sneering at someone else. Why did you do it, and do you regret it now?

How can we create a culture in schools or workplaces that discourages sneering and encourages respect?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, in almost every context, 'sneering' is considered a negative behavior. It implies that you are looking down on someone and treating them as inferior. While it might be used in a 'cool' way in some subcultures (like punk music), it still carries a sense of rebellion and contempt for others.

A smirk is a smile that shows you are pleased with yourself, often in a smug or secret way. A sneer is a look that shows you have no respect for someone else. You smirk when you win; you sneer when you think the loser is pathetic.

Absolutely. A 'sneering tone' or 'sneering voice' is one that sounds sarcastic, arrogant, and dismissive. It's not just about the face; it's about the attitude conveyed through sound.

The adverb form is 'sneeringly.' For example: 'He sneeringly dismissed my suggestion.' It is formed by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'sneering.'

It is very common in books, movies, and news articles. You might not hear it every day in casual conversation, but you will definitely encounter it when reading or watching English media.

This is a common phrase used to describe an arrogant person who treats servants, waiters, or other service workers with disrespect. It is a classic sign of a 'villain' or an unlikeable character.

While we sometimes say an animal looks like it is sneering (like a grumpy cat), 'sneering' is a human emotion involving social contempt. Animals might 'snarl' to show aggression, but they don't have the social concept of 'superiority' in the same way humans do.

The opposite would be a 'respectful,' 'kind,' or 'admiring' face. A face that shows you value and honor the other person.

It can be both. In 'The sneering man,' it is an adjective. In 'He was sneering at me,' it is part of the present continuous verb form.

The best way is usually to remain calm and respectful. Sneering is often an attempt to get a reaction or to feel superior. If you don't let it bother you, the other person loses their power.